Victor Osimhen is hopeful of recovering in time to feature for Galatasaray against Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League next week after suffering a groin injury during Friday’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring for Galatasaray in the 16th minute with a superb finish into the top corner after being set up by Lucas Torreira.
However, his night was cut short when he picked up a knock around the 33rd minute and was replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Despite the early withdrawal, Osimhen has played down concerns over the injury and expressed his desire to return against Sporting Lisbon if he receives clearance from Galatasaray’s medical and coaching staff.
“I have nothing, I didn’t want to risk myself. If our coach deems it appropriate for the Sporting Lisbon match, I want to be on the field,” Osimhen said.
Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that the Nigerian forward had experienced strain and pain in his right adductor muscle group, with treatment beginning after the match.
The Turkish champions also disclosed that Osimhen and teammate Mario Lemina were undergoing further medical examinations, including MRI scans, to determine the extent of their respective injuries.
The results of the assessments are expected to provide a clearer indication of whether Osimhen will be available for the Champions League encounter.
The injury scare comes at an important stage of the season for the 27-year-old, who has made a strong start to the campaign. Osimhen has recorded six goals and three assists so far this season.
His availability would be a major boost for Galatasaray as the club prepares for its European assignment against Sporting Lisbon.
The striker’s condition will also be monitored closely by Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, with the Super Eagles scheduled to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
For now, Osimhen’s own assessment offers some encouragement, but his participation against Sporting Lisbon will ultimately depend on the outcome of the medical examinations and the decision of Galatasaray’s technical and medical teams.
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