Galatasaray are keeping their fingers crossed over Victor Osimhen’s fitness as they prepare for a crucial Champions League showdown with Liverpool.
The Nigerian striker has been out of action since picking up a chin injury while playing for the Super Eagles earlier this month in their World Cup qualifying win over Rwanda in Uyo. That setback has already ruled him out of four matches, including Nigeria’s clash with South Africa and Galatasaray’s recent games against Konyaspor, Eyüpspor and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Manager Okan Buruk offered an update after Monday’s 3–1 win against Konyaspor, revealing that Osimhen has returned to light training but is still nursing discomfort. According to him, the striker has joined parts of the sessions and even managed a few minutes on the pitch, but pain continues to bother him.
Buruk admitted the technical crew is managing his recovery carefully, with hopes he will feature against Alanyaspor in the league and be fit enough to line up against Liverpool. “If he can cope with the pain, we want him back in the squad,” the coach said.
The Galatasaray boss stressed how important Osimhen’s return would be, especially as the Turkish champions head into a packed run of fixtures against Alanyaspor, Liverpool and Beşiktaş. Sitting six points clear at the top of the Super Lig, Buruk believes momentum is key and Osimhen’s presence could make the difference.
The coach also disclosed that Yunus Akgün and Ismael Jakobs both left the Konyaspor game with minor problems, highlighting the physical strain on the squad.
Osimhen, who made his switch to Galatasaray permanent over the summer after a successful loan spell, had scored twice in his first two league starts before the injury setback. His potential return against Liverpool would serve as a major boost for a team determined to improve on last season’s disappointing early exit from the Europa League.
Buruk remains optimistic: “With the quality we have, I’m convinced we’ll perform even better once everyone is fully fit. For now, the goal is to keep winning and protect our lead while giving players like Victor the best chance to recover in time for the big matches.”
