Dele-Bashiru makes Lazio injury return

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has made his return from injury for Lazio after being named on the bench for Monday’s Serie A fixture against Torino at the Stadio Olimpico, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 24-year-old Nigerian international has been sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during Lazio’s goalless draw against Venezia on February 22, which subsequently ruled him out of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures in March.

Dele-Bashiru’s injury occurred in the 36th minute of the Venezia match following a collision with Alessio Zerbin, forcing him off after just 41 minutes of action and dealing a blow to both his club and national team ambitions.

At the time of the injury, Lazio manager Marco Baroni expressed concern about the midfielder’s condition, telling DAZN, “We have to verify his condition. He felt pain when he took that shot.

“Playing every two or three days, it’s going to be difficult to get him recovered for the next match.”

The Nigerian’s absence came at a critical time for Lazio, who are embroiled in an intense battle for Champions League qualification, with half a dozen teams within a nine-point radius all fighting for a top-four finish in Serie A.

His return provides a significant boost for the Biancocelesti, who are looking to bounce back from a humbling 5-0 defeat to Bologna before the international break – a result that saw them drop to fifth place in the standings.

Dele-Bashiru has been an important figure for Lazio this season, making 22 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing two assists. In Serie A specifically, he has featured 16 times, starting six matches and scoring three goals while maintaining an impressive 91 per cent passing accuracy.

The midfielder’s return also comes at a crucial juncture for Marco Baroni’s side, who are not only pursuing a top-four finish in Serie A but also have a UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Bodo/Glimt on the horizon – offering an alternative route into next season’s Champions League.