Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is set to make his return in the Champions League next week after fears over a long-term injury were eased to offer relief for the Turkish champions, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to Kemerburgaz, Osimhen will sit out the league trip to Eyüpspor to avoid any risk, as preparations are being made for him to lead the attack in the Champions League tie with Frankfurt on Thursday.
Osimhen is expected to be rested and not risked in the league match away to Eyüpspor, with plans for him to start in the line-up for the Champions League clash in Frankfurt next Thursday evening,” Fanatik quoted Kemerburgaz.
The Nigeria international suffered an ankle injury while representing his country in a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. He was forced off in the 35th minute after going down in visible pain, raising concerns in Istanbul about his availability for key fixtures. Galatasaray immediately sent a private jet to bring the forward back to Turkey for medical tests.
Initial scans confirmed a moderate sprain with bleeding in the ankle ligaments.
The club released a statement signed by team doctor Yener İnce, which read, “Tests conducted at our sponsor hospital revealed a moderate sprain with bleeding in the ankle ligaments of our player Victor Osimhen. Treatment has begun to ensure his return to the pitch as soon as possible.”
That news has provided a major boost for the club’s supporters, who feared the worst when the 26-year-old collapsed to the turf in Kigali.
Osimhen, who scored 37 goals in 41 matches for Galatasaray last season, is regarded as central to their European ambitions this season, having joined in a record €75m summer transfer from Napoli. His quick recovery is seen as vital for Okan Buruk’s plans.
The forward reportedly held a discussion with manager Okan Buruk after arriving back in Istanbul and he is said to have expressed his readiness to make sacrifices for the team’s Champions League campaign, which the club have prioritised this season.
The prospect of seeing Osimhen lead the line in Frankfurt is particularly crucial given the situation with Mauro Icardi.
The Argentine forward is not yet fully fit, meaning Barış Yılmaz is expected to play in the centre-forward role against Eyüpspor while Osimhen is managed cautiously. The club has stressed that no unnecessary risks will be taken with their record signing.
