'Difficult to stop' - Barcelona coach Xavi highlights Osimhen as one of the key players to watch in CL showdown 

Barcelona coach Xavier Hernández has praised Victor Osimhen as one of the standout players in the Napoli squad ahead of their Champions League showdown at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian international is expected to be cleared to play after fully participating in training with his Napoli teammates on Tuesday, having missed the weekend's 1-1 draw due to fitness concerns.

Despite a less prolific performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he struggled to convert his chances, the reigning African Footballer of the Year has maintained a respectable record at club level, contributing to eleven goals in eighteen games across all competitions so far this season.

The 25-year-old is one of the most sought after center forwards in the world at the moment with the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain among the high profile clubs interested in his services ahead of the summer transfer window. 

Aware of Osimhen's prowess as a top-class finisher and his ability to trouble defenses with his speed, Xavier Hernández emphasizes the need for his players, particularly the defenders, to remain vigilant.

In addition to Osimhen, the Barcelona legend also commended Osimhen's teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has been linked with a potential move to Barcelona in recent weeks.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Xavi was quoted as saying by Barca Universal: "Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are top level players.

"Kvaratskhelia is one of the best players that there are in his position. We’ll need to pay attention to him.

"It is crucial for us to defend well tomorrow. It’s difficult to stop Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen and Politano."

Barcelona have defensive issues heading into tonight's clash having conceded 21 goals in their last ten games across all competitions. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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