A month after straining his adductor, Victor Osimhen is closing in on a comeback. Turkish media say Galatasaray intend to ease him back in on Friday before handing him a start against Barcelona on October 13.
Galatasaray’s plan comes down to two dates. First, Friday, October 9, against Kasımpaşa in the Süper Lig: Sabah and Fotomaç report the Nigeria striker will start on the bench and get some minutes late on to rebuild match sharpness. Then Tuesday, October 13, when Barcelona visit Rams Park in the Champions League. A Spor, via Sabah, expects him in the starting XI that night, and Fotomaç describes him as close to full fitness.
The club has not confirmed any of this, and his involvement against Kasımpaşa will depend on how he feels. But the schedule is clearly built for a staged return.
A month without their talisman
Osimhen got hurt on September 4 in the 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir, a game in which he had opened the scoring. Tests at Acıbadem Hospital showed a right adductor strain with bleeding, Galatasaray said at the time.
Okan Buruk’s side have struggled without him. They opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 defeat at Sporting CP, then were thrashed 4-0 by Trabzonspor, with Mohamed Salah helping himself to a hat-trick. Before the injury, Osimhen had six goals and two assists in four league games. The gap has been obvious.
Missed the Super Eagles window too
The injury also cost him the international break. Initially named by Éric Chelle for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, he withdrew on the advice of Galatasaray’s medical staff, with Taiwo Awoniyi called up in his place. Without him, Nigeria were beaten 3-0 in Bissau.