Osimhen Nears Galatasaray Injury Return

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is closing in on a return to action for Galatasaray after making progress in his recovery from a groin injury.

The Nigerian forward has continued his rehabilitation in Nigeria during the international break after Galatasaray’s medical team advised him against joining the Super Eagles for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. He scored the opening goal but was forced off in the 33rd minute after experiencing discomfort in his right groin.

Further examinations revealed a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the right adductor muscle group, ruling him out of several matches.

The 27-year-old subsequently missed Galatasaray’s Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon as well as Super Lig matches against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.

However, reports from Turkey indicate that his recovery has progressed sufficiently for Galatasaray to consider a carefully managed return when league action resumes.

Osimhen is expected to be available for Friday’s Super Lig clash against Kasımpaşa at RAMS Park. Rather than immediately restoring him to the starting XI, coach Okan Buruk is reportedly considering giving him limited minutes, potentially around 30 minutes depending on the match situation and his physical condition.

The Kasımpaşa fixture could provide an important test of Osimhen’s fitness ahead of Galatasaray’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona on October 13. Galatasaray’s schedule confirms the two matches are only four days apart.

Osimhen had made an impressive start to the new campaign before his injury, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four league appearances.

His absence has affected Galatasaray’s attacking options, making his potential return particularly important as the Turkish champions prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

For Nigeria, Osimhen’s recovery will also be closely monitored as the Super Eagles continue their preparations for upcoming international assignments.