Victor Osimhen: Napoli Explains Why Striker Was Benched For Serie A Clash Against Inter Milan

• Victor Osimhen was benched for Napoli’s Serie A game with Inter Milan
• The Partenopei claimed the Nigerian ace has been battling with an injury
• Osimhen has scored 13 goals across all competitions this season for Napoli

Napoli has provided insights into why top striker, Victor Osimhen, was benched for the duration of their Serie A tie against league leaders, Inter Milan, on Sunday, March 17.

The Super Eagles striker was named on the bench by coach, Francisco Calzona, and did not feature for a single minute as the Partenopei played out a 1-1 draw at the San Siro.

According to All Nigeria Soccer, Napoli disclosed that Osimhen had been battling with a previous injury and the club did not want to risk playing him to avoid aggravating the issue.

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The 25-year-old forward has featured in all but one game since arriving from the Africa Cup of Nations in February and has scored five goals across all competitions since his return.

Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, was instrumental for Napoli last season, leading the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years, scoring 26 goals in the process.

Napoli end Inter’s winning run

Meanwhile, despite Osimhen's absence, Napoli ended Inter's run of 10 consecutive Serie A victories after playing to an entertaining 1-1 draw on Sunday at the San Siro, ESPN reports.

Matteo Darmian's first-half goal for the hosts was cancelled out by a late header from Juan Jesus as the result moved the leaders to 76 points at the top of the table, 14 ahead of AC Milan.

Napoli, on the other hand, kept their hopes of qualifying for European competitions next season alive with the draw as they moved to seventh in the Serie A standings with a tally of 45.

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Arsenal keen to sign Osimhen

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on a transfer guru acknowledging Arsenal's interest in Napoli star, Osimhen, amid reports linking him with a move this season.

The Gunners are among the numerous teams interested in the Nigerian, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United also said to be keeping an eye on him.

Chelsea were supposed to be the 25-year-old's preferred destination, as he is a fan, but Charles Watts claimed Arsenal are ready to compete with the Blues.