Osimhen Nears Galatasaray Return Ahead of Barcelona Champions League Clash
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is closing in on a return to action for Galatasaray after continuing his rehabilitation in Nigeria, with the Turkish champions considering a carefully managed comeback against Kas?mpa?a, Nigeriasoccernet. Osimhen remained in Lagos during the recent international break, where he continued his recovery under the supervision of a physiotherapist after Galatasaray's medical team advised against his involvement in Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The 27-year-old was initially named in Eric Chelle's squad but eventually withdrew as his recovery from a muscle injury took longer than expected. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.
According to Turkish outlet Yenicag Gazetesi, Osimhen could make his return when Galatasaray hosts Kas?mpa?a at RAMS Park on Friday, October 9. However, manager Okan Buruk is reportedly not considering an immediate return to the starting XI for the Nigerian forward.
Instead, Osimhen could be introduced for around 30 minutes, depending on the circumstances of the game, as Galatasaray look to carefully manage his workload. The plan would allow the striker to test his fitness in a competitive match while gradually regaining his sharpness.
It would also leave him with four days to recover before Galatasaray welcome Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 13. Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray's 3-2 victory over?stanbul Ba?ak?ehir on September 4.
He opened the scoring before being forced off in the 33rd minute after experiencing discomfort in his right groin. Subsequent medical examinations revealed an advanced-moderate strain with bleeding in the right adductor muscle group, ruling him out of Galatasaray's Champions League opener against Sporting CP as well as league fixtures against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.
The setback came at a time when Osimhen was enjoying an impressive start to the season, having scored six goals and provided two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances. His absence has also coincided with Galatasaray losing ground at the top of the league, with the Istanbul giants currently second behind Gift Orban's Amed SK on goal difference.
Galatasaray will now hope Osimhen can make a smooth return against Kas?mpa?a and gradually regain his best form before the much tougher Champions League assignment against Barcelona.