According to Dr. Gianpaolo Tartaro, the plastic surgeon who operated on Victor Osimhen’s face after he suffered a facial injury in November 2021, the Nigeria international almost lost his eyes after being hurt in a collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar in Napoli’s 3-2 defeat at the San Siro.
As a scan revealed several fractures to the cheekbone and orbital bone, Osimhen underwent surgery that included the placement of six plaques and 18 screws on his face.
The former Lille attacker was out for more than two months and has since played with a protective mask.
Tartaro emphasized the attacker’s good fortune.
“The orbital bone stopped just in time because Osimhen could even have lost his sight,” Tartaro told Radio CRC.
“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.”
On Osimhen continuing to wear the mask, Tartaro added, “He seems to play even better than he did before, it gives him security. He has become world-class.”
