The Super Eagles striker is back on the training pitch after an adductor injury, with Galatasaray targeting a return against Barcelona on October 13.
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Osimhen is back on the grass
Victor Osimhen has returned to training with Galatasaray as he works his way back from injury. The Super Eagles striker is aiming to be fit for the Champions League visit of Barcelona on October 13. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that the club will monitor his progress closely over the next few days.
Galatasaray play Kasimpasa in the Turkish league on Friday, October 9, which could give Osimhen a first chance to test his fitness in a match. Africa Soccer reports he is expected to feature for at least 30 minutes. The club want to avoid any setback.
How the injury happened
Osimhen came off in the 33rd minute of Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. Tests later showed a moderate to advanced adductor injury, with bleeding and a strain. The club said he would miss the Champions League opener away to Sporting CP.
Galatasaray lost that game 3-1 without him. The setback also slowed Osimhen’s chase of Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all time leading goalscorer.
Osimhen’s availability will matter to anyone following the tie closely. Fans can also look at Bet9ja’s YOHAIG welcome bonus before the match.
Galatasaray without their talisman
The club have not been short of options. We says the injury forced coach Okan Buruk to lean on Rafael Leao, signed from AC Milan this summer, and Leroy Sane.
Barcelona arrive after opening their campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord. They visit RAMS Park in Istanbul, and Galatasaray badly need a response after the defeat in Lisbon.
Football fans who like to test their forecasting can try Super9ja’s free entry for the Champions League fixtures.
What it means for Nigeria
Foot Africa reported that the injury would keep Osimhen out of Nigeria’s September qualifiers, and he was also unavailable for the Super Eagles’ friendly in Russia. Eric Chelle will want him fit for Tanzania in Uyo on November 13 and in Dar es Salaam on November 17.
Nigeria are second in Group L, three points behind Guinea-Bissau, and only one team qualifies. Can a rested Osimhen restore the goals the Super Eagles missed in September? Friday’s game against Kasimpasa should show how close he really is.
A fit Osimhen could change both Galatasaray’s season and Nigeria’s. Fans eyeing the Barcelona game can see Bet9ja’s latest sign-up offer before kick-off.
📌 Did You Know?
- Galatasaray reportedly paid €75 million to sign Osimhen.
- Osimhen is 27 years old.
- Midfielder Mario Lemina picked up a similar injury and was also left out of the Champions League squad for the Sporting game.
- Early projections put Osimhen’s recovery at around three weeks.
- The Barcelona game is Galatasaray’s second match of the Champions League league phase.
