Victor Osimhen was injured in a collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar during Napoli’s 3-2 loss at the San Siro, and according to Dr. Gianpaolo Tartaro, the plastic surgeon who performed surgery on Osimhen’s face after he sustained a facial injury in November 2021, the Nigerian international nearly lost both of his eyes.
A scan of Osimhen, a star forward for Napoli, revealed multiple fractures to the cheekbone and orbital bone. Osimhen needed surgery, requiring the placement of six plaques and 18 screws on his face.
After being sidelined for more than two months, the former Lille forward has played with a protective mask.
The attacker was really lucky, Tartaro said.
Tartaro speaking with Radio CRC also mentioned that, “The orbital bone stopped just in time because Osimhen could even have lost his sight.”
“That bone could indeed have caused other problems, but fortunately some factors helped us and the eye was able to go back into its socket.
“The plaques do not need to be removed unless there is an urgent need; for example, if they develop an infection. The titanium could alter an X-ray, but I don’t think Osimhen wants them removed.
“When we performed the surgery, we used the best quality plaques in the world and had to study very carefully where to place them, so there was protection should the player have to head the ball.”
Tartaro’s statement on Osimhen continuing to wear the mask, “He seems to play even better than he did before, it gives him security. He has become world-class.”
The Super Eagles striker has been on fire for the Serie A front-runners this season, scoring 19 goals and dishing out four assists in 20 league appearances to push the Parthenopeans 18 points ahead at the top of the standings in their quest for their first Scudetto since 1990.
