Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has rejoined his Galatasaray teammates on the training ground after two weeks on the sidelines with an ankle problem.
The 26-year-old was back in action at Rams Park on Sunday, where he joined parts of the group session and also went through some individual fitness routines. Despite that progress, he was not included in the squad for the league meeting with Konyaspor on Monday.
Osimhen picked up the injury earlier this month while representing Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. He had to be substituted in the first half following a tackle by Claude Niyomugabo. What first looked like a minor issue eventually ruled him out of Galatasaray’s league victory over Eyupspor as well as their painful 5–1 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt in Europe.
Reports from Turkey described his involvement in Sunday’s drills as a positive sign for Galatasaray, who are eyeing his return in time for their Champions League clash with Liverpool at the end of September.
Head coach Okan Buruk has been cautious in discussing timelines, pointing out that medical feedback showed the forward was not yet ready for competitive action.
“Osimhen’s hurt, you know. He didn’t play in the league game, so we had the hope of at least getting this game up,” Buruk said before the Frankfurt match.
“He tried in practice for the last two days, but the feedback from him is not enough to play right now. That’s what we talked about with our paramedics. The health of our players is very important to us.”
Since sealing a loan move from Napoli during the summer, Osimhen has impressed with two goals in three league appearances. His comeback is expected to lift the Turkish champions as they balance domestic duties with the demands of the Champions League.
The club’s medical staff are taking no chances, stressing that complete recovery is the priority over rushing him back into matches.
