Osimhen nears Galatasaray injury return

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles forward, is making progress towards a return to Galatasaray after completing his rehabilitation in Nigeria. The club intends to stage a cautiously orchestrated comeback against Kasımpaşa prior to their Champions League fixture against Barcelona. Osimhen was omitted from Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to his ongoing recovery.

He spent time in Lagos receiving treatment under a physiotherapist's supervision, as Galatasaray's medical team advised against him joining the Super Eagles for the qualifiers. Initially selected in Eric Chelle’s squad, Osimhen withdrew due to a delayed recovery from a muscle injury, with Taiwo Awoniyi subsequently taking his place.

Turkish news source Yenicag Gazetesi reports that Osimhen might be available for Galatasaray’s match against Kasımpaşa at RAMS Park on Friday, October 9. However, manager Okan Buruk does not intend to reintegrate the striker into his starting lineup immediately. Instead, Osimhen is expected to be brought on for around 30 minutes, contingent on the match's progression.

This approach would enable Galatasaray to evaluate Osimhen's readiness in a competitive setting while gradually increasing his workload. Additionally, the time frame would grant Osimhen four days to recuperate before Galatasaray's Champions League clash with Barcelona on Tuesday, October 13. Osimhen's injury originated from Galatasaray's 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4, when he scored the opening goal but was substituted in the 33rd minute due to discomfort in his right groin.

Medical examinations later identified an advanced-moderate strain with bleeding in the right adductor muscle group, a setback that excluded him from Galatasaray's Champions League opener against Sporting CP and Süper Lig matches against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor. During his absence, Galatasaray slipped to second place in the Süper Lig behind Gift Orban’s Amed SK, although their goal difference was inferior.

Galatasaray hopes that Osimhen's scheduled Kasımpaşa appearance will provide a safe pathway back to full fitness and form before facing the more significant challenge of Barcelona. Peter, a sports reporter for PUNCH for nearly two years, specializes in combat sports reporting, special features, and human interest stories.