Osimhen can wear smaller mask – Surgeon

Napoli surgeon Gianpolo Tarto has recommended that Victor Osimhen can now wear smaller protective mask considering his current recovery state.

The Nigeria international Osimhen fractured his eye socket and cheekbone in Napoli’s loss to Inter Milan last November, requiring surgery which according to the doctor, who operated on the 22-year-old, required ‘‘six plaques and 18 screws’’ to repair the ‘‘devastating’’ damage.

Because of the damage, Osimhen was ruled out of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after the surgeon said it would take at least 90 days for the player to return to action.

The Napoli striker made an early return to action after a kevlar protective mask was designed for him. He played 20 minutes of action two weeks ago in Napoli’s 2-0 victory over Bologna.

Tartaro, who examined the player again on Tuesday, was impressed with his recovery and has recommended a smaller mask for him.

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“Osimhen will stay until the end of February with a new, smaller protective mask,” Tartaro told Naples-based radio station Radio Kiss Kiss.

“Dr Canon will soon decide a date by the end of February to repeat the CT scan and based on the results of the exams we will decide whether to continue wearing the mask or to remove it. For me, he should keep it until the end of March, but Victor amazes me every time I see him and therefore only the next scan will give us the definitive answer.”

On his recovery time, the surgeon said, “He is biologically fantastic. He has a much higher than average biological response and is managing to shorten the healing time which, I would like to specify, continues quickly without problems. Victor is always calm and perfect, plus he no longer has a scar or oedema and the swelling has also disappeared.”