Osimhen Nears Full Fitness for Istanbul Derby
Victor Osimhen is on track to return for Galatasaray’s crucial Super Lig clash against Fenerbahçe in two weeks after being reintegrated into squad training on Saturday, marking a significant boost for the title-chasing side.
The 27-year-old Nigerian striker has been sidelined with an arm injury sustained against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League play-off before the international break, but is gradually returning to full fitness ahead of the Super Lig title run-in.
Osimhen underwent surgery and participated in non-contact team training on Saturday, though he was not included in the matchday squad when Galatasaray faced Kocaelispor on Sunday.
According to a source close to the player and Nigerian on-air personality Buchi Laba, Osimhen will be ready to return for the Istanbul derby on Sunday, April 26. “The King is back! Victor Osimhen was part of training yesterday. Non-contact,” Laba wrote on social media.
He added: “There’s a little chance he will be available for the Gençlerbirliği game, whether in the league or cup, but he will be 100 per cent ready to start against Fenerbahçe in the league.”
There is also a possibility Osimhen could feature against Gençlerbirliği, either in the league next Saturday or in their Turkish Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday, April 22.
Galatasaray confirmed his training progress in a statement on Saturday: “Victor Osimhen trained with the team during the first part of the session, then continued his work under the supervision of physiotherapists on the field and in the gym as part of the special programme prepared for him.”
With Galatasaray leading the Super Lig by two points before Sunday’s fixture, fans are hopeful of an earlier-than-expected return, particularly ahead of the high-stakes derby against rivals Fenerbahçe on April 26.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal for €75m last summer, has made a significant impact in Turkey, scoring 12 league goals and adding seven more in European competitions this season.