Osimhen handed compassionate leave to attend dad’s burial

Lille boss Christophe Galtier has explained Victor Osimhen’s absence from the Mastiffs’ pre-season camp is due to compassionate leave.

The young forward is currently in Nigeria to spend time with his family following the passing of his father.

Osimhen could yet re-join the French outfit for their preparatory schedules before the end of June but it is yet unclear when that would be.

With the French football season cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lille are left with no option than to prepare for next term - as they would be campaigning in the Europa League.

Speaking to the club’s website, manager Galtier gave an update about his team as well as the whereabouts of the Super Eagles star.

“Everyone is here. Timothy Weah, who returns from injury, has a week of tests, as does Yusuf Yazici who is in an evaluation phase following his return,” he said.

“The only person missing the call is Victor Osimhen, who had the misfortune of losing his father during this terrible period and who has not been able to be close to his family.

“So we decided, with the club, to leave him with his family for the funeral. He is therefore absent for a few days.

“I send to him, like all of LOSC, my full support in this difficult period.”

The 21-year-old was announced as the club’s Player of the season, following his startling displays for the French side in the 2019-20 campaign.

Osimhen was recruited as a replacement for Cote d’Ivoire international Nicolas Pepe who joined Arsenal in a club-record fee of £72 million.