Xavi Afraid of Osimhen Threat Ahead of Barcelona UCL Clash Against Napoli

• Xavi says Napoli forward Victor Osimhen will be difficult to defend against
• Barcelona will face the Super Eagles star in the UEFA Champions League
• Osimhen has scored eight goals in all competitions for Napoli this season

Barcelona coach Xavier Hernández has listed Victor Osimhen as one of the top players in Napoli's team ahead of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matches on Wednesday night.

The 25-year-old forward is on course to make his first appearance for the Serie A giants against the Catalans since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations where he helped Nigeria reach the final.

According to All Nigeria Soccer, Xavi has admitted Osimhen, along with Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, will be difficult to defend against and has cautioned his defenders to be extra vigilant against them.

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"Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are top level players. Kvaratskhelia is one of the best players that there are in his position. We’ll need to pay attention to him.

"It is crucial for us to defend well tomorrow. It’s difficult to stop Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen and Politano."

Barcelona will, however, take solace in the fact that Osimhen is yet to score in the Champions League for Napoli this season after five appearances in the group phase for the Italian giants.

Napoli gives Osimhen fitness update

Meanwhile, Napoli caretaker coach, Francesco Calzona, has disclosed that striker Osimhen participated in the team’s full training session ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona, Daily Post reports.

The Super Eagles forward was left out of Napoli’s squad for last Saturday’s Serie A clash against Genoa after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with with a minor muscular problem and fatigue.

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Osimhen is expected to lead Napoli’s attack against Barcelona as the Italians seek to capitalise on their home advantage against Barcelona when both teams tackle each other at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

Chelsea begin talks to sign Osimhen

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Chelsea have begun discussions to sign Osimhen from reigning Serie A club Napoli, hoping to outbid their rivals for the Super Eagles striker.

The Blues have the funds to trigger the 25-year-old's release clause this summer, and they have already begun talks to secure his services for the 2024/25 season.

Chelsea have identified Osimhen as their top transfer target, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also rumoured to be in the market for the forward.