Osimhen’s Return for Friday’s Turkish Super Lig Match Still Uncertain
By Fact Harbour News
Victor Osimhen’s much-anticipated return to competitive football remains uncertain as Galatasaray continue to assess the Nigerian striker ahead of Friday’s Turkish Süper Lig encounter with Kasımpaşa.
The 27-year-old forward has resumed training after recovering from a groin injury but has yet to receive final medical clearance to feature in Friday’s fixture at Rams Park.
Galatasaray’s chief medical officer, Yener İnce, said the club would conduct further medical assessments before deciding whether Osimhen is ready to return to competitive action. He explained that the striker’s treatment has progressed well but stressed that the club would not take unnecessary risks with his recovery.
Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He scored the opening goal in that match but was forced off in the 33rd minute after experiencing discomfort in his right adductor muscle.
Subsequent medical examinations revealed a significant muscle injury involving bleeding in the affected area, forcing him to miss Galatasaray’s following matches, including their UEFA Champions League encounter with Sporting CP.
The Nigerian international also missed Nigeria’s recent international fixtures as he remained in rehabilitation rather than joining the Super Eagles.
Osimhen has now taken part in portions of Galatasaray’s training sessions as the club gradually increases his workload. Reports indicate that he has been involved in team exercises before continuing with an individual programme designed by the club’s medical staff.
His return has generated considerable interest because Galatasaray face a demanding run of fixtures. Following Friday’s league match against Kasımpaşa, the Turkish champions are scheduled to host Spanish giants Barcelona in the Champions League on October 13.
That schedule could influence how manager Okan Buruk manages Osimhen’s return. Rather than immediately placing him in the starting XI, the club could opt for a controlled appearance if he is cleared to play.
Some reports from Turkey have suggested that Osimhen could be introduced for a limited period against Kasımpaşa as part of his gradual return to full match fitness. However, that remains dependent on the results of his medical assessments.
Before his injury, Osimhen had made an impressive start to the 2026/27 Turkish league campaign, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances.
Galatasaray will therefore be keen to have their leading striker available again, but the club’s medical team appears determined to avoid rushing him back and risking another setback.
As of Thursday, October 8, Galatasaray had not formally confirmed Osimhen’s availability for Friday’s match.
His final status is expected to become clearer after the club completes its latest medical checks and assesses his response to training.
For now, Osimhen’s return is possible but not guaranteed, with Galatasaray prioritising his full recovery ahead of a busy domestic and European schedule.
