Napoli manager, Luciano Spalletti has the reason for dropping his in-form striker, Victor Osimhen, ahead of the first-leg quarter final tie against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Osimhen has been under a close watch in the last two weeks following a tear in his adductor muscle while on international duty with the Super Eagles last month.
But the coach omitted the 24 year-old from the squad‘s trip to Milan as he now fights to prove his fitness for the second leg in Naples on April 18.
"I decided not to play Osimhen because I don't want him injured for too long," Spalletti said Tuesday. "We have another game against Milan next week and I want him fit for that.
"But we have won very important games without Osimhen. We are here because we have won without him in this competition and I am expecting the same, that all my players rely on their team-mates' abilities.
"We can't go on the pitch and be afraid. We need to take this chance and enjoy the game.
Osimhen leads the Serie A goal scoring charts with 21 goals this season.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun