Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is expected to make his return to action for Galatasaray on October 9, following a prolonged period on the sidelines due to a groin injury. According to reports from Turkish sports daily Fanatik, Osimhen's return has been confirmed by Galatasaray's medical rehabilitation programme. The 27-year-old had been initially named in the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau before withdrawing due to his injury.
The Nigeria Football Federation and Galatasaray had agreed that Osimhen should pull out of the squad to continue his recovery, with the Istanbul club's medical team formally advising against international duty. As a result, Taiwo Awoniyi replaced Osimhen in the Super Eagles squad. Galatasaray confirmed that Osimhen's injury is a moderate to advanced strain with bleeding in the right groin area, which has caused him to miss several crucial matches, including the Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon and Super Lig fixtures against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.
Osimhen's absence has been deeply felt by Galatasaray, with two of the matches he missed ending in defeat for Okan Buruk's side. Turkish football pundit Sinan Engin pointed to the gap in Galatasaray's attack left by Osimhen's absence after the Sporting defeat. The upcoming match against Kasimpasa at the RAMS Park Stadium will provide the first opportunity for Nigerian fans to see Osimhen back in Galatasaray colours since his injury.
Before his injury, Osimhen was in fine form, scoring six goals and providing two assists in Galatasaray's opening four Super Lig matches of the season. His return will be crucial for Galatasaray, especially with the Champions League clash with Barcelona just four days after the Kasimpasa game. The match against Kasimpasa will serve as a warm-up for the highly anticipated Barcelona encounter.
During Osimhen's absence, head coach Okan Buruk's decision to use Baris Alper Yilmaz through the middle has drawn criticism, while Rafael Leao has also struggled to fill the void. Osimhen's return is expected to bolster Galatasaray's attack, and he will have little time to settle before taking on the responsibility of leading the team.
The return of Osimhen is a significant boost for Galatasaray, who are looking to improve their performance in the Super Lig and Champions League. Fans will be eagerly anticipating his return to action, and the match against Kasimpasa will provide a crucial test for the team ahead of the Barcelona clash.
Osimhen's injury update and return date have been a subject of interest for football fans, and his comeback is expected to have a significant impact on Galatasaray's season. With his return, the team is expected to regain their momentum and make a strong push for success in both domestic and European competitions.
Key points
- Victor Osimhen is set to return to action for Galatasaray against Kasimpasa on October 9.
- Osimhen has been out with a groin injury and has missed several crucial matches for Galatasaray.
- His return will be crucial for Galatasaray, especially with the Champions League clash with Barcelona just four days after the Kasimpasa game.
