Osimhen Set for Injury Return After International Break

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is expected to return to action for Galatasaray after the first international break of the 2026/27 season.

The Nigerian forward is reportedly on course to return for Galatasaray’s Turkish Süper Lig meeting with Kasımpaşa on October 9 as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He was forced off in the 33rd minute after scoring the opening goal.

Medical examinations subsequently revealed an advanced-moderate strain involving bleeding in the right adductor muscle group.

The injury has kept the 27-year-old out of Galatasaray’s subsequent matches against Sporting Lisbon, Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.

Osimhen was initially included in Nigeria’s squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. However, he later withdrew after his recovery progressed more slowly than initially expected.

Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that the striker remained under rehabilitation and would not be available for the September international fixtures.

Galatasaray have continued to monitor Osimhen’s recovery, with Turkish media reporting that the club expects him to regain full fitness during the international break.

His potential return would provide a boost for Galatasaray, particularly after the club suffered a 4-0 defeat away to Trabzonspor in their most recent league outing.

Before the injury, Osimhen had made a strong start to the new campaign, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his opening four league appearances.

Nigeria will be without the striker for its AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

His availability for Nigeria’s October 6 friendly against Russia will depend on the progress of his rehabilitation and his return to competitive action with Galatasaray.