Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen is nearing a return to action for Galatasaray after undergoing rehabilitation in Nigeria. The Super Eagles forward has been out of action since September 4 due to a muscle injury sustained during a 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir. Osimhen's recovery has been slower than expected, causing him to miss Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Osimhen spent part of the international break in Lagos, where he continued treatment under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Galatasaray's medical team had advised against him joining the Super Eagles for the qualifiers. The 27-year-old was initially included in Eric Chelle's squad but withdrew, with Taiwo Awoniyi drafted in as his replacement. According to Turkish outlet Yenicag Gazetesi, Osimhen could be available for Galatasaray's match against Kasımpaşa on October 9.
Manager Okan Buruk does not plan to immediately restore Osimhen to his starting line-up. Instead, the striker is expected to be introduced for around 30 minutes, depending on how the match develops. This approach will allow Galatasaray to assess Osimhen's sharpness under competitive conditions while gradually building his workload. The plan also gives Osimhen four days to recover before Galatasaray hosts Barcelona in the Champions League on October 13.
Osimhen's injury is an advanced-moderate strain with bleeding in the right adductor muscle group. The setback ruled him out of Galatasaray's Champions League opener against Sporting CP, as well as Süper Lig matches against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor. Before the injury, Osimhen had scored six goals and provided two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances.
In Osimhen's absence, Galatasaray slipped to second on the Süper Lig table behind Gift Orban's Amed SK, albeit on inferior goal difference. The club will be hoping that Osimhen's planned cameo against Kasımpaşa offers a safe route back to full fitness and form before the much bigger test against Barcelona.
Osimhen was the 2023 Africa Footballer of Year, and his market value has taken a recent hit due to his injury. Galatasaray will look to carefully manage his comeback to minimize the risk of further injury. The club's medical team and coaching staff will closely monitor his progress to ensure a successful return.
Osimhen's return to action will be a significant boost to Galatasaray's chances in the Champions League and the Süper Lig. The club will look to build on their momentum and make a strong push for the top spot in both competitions. With Osimhen back in the squad, Galatasaray will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks.
Key points
- Victor Osimhen is close to returning to action for Galatasaray after rehab in Nigeria.
- Osimhen could be available for Galatasaray's match against Kasımpaşa on October 9.
- Manager Okan Buruk plans to introduce Osimhen for around 30 minutes against Kasımpaşa to assess his sharpness.
