Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is expected to return to action for Galatasaray after the first international break of the 2026/27 season, according to reports from Turkish media.
The Nigerian forward is being lined up for Galatasaray’s Süper Lig meeting with Kasımpaşa on October 9, as he continues his recovery from a right adductor injury.
Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He scored Galatasaray’s opening goal in the 16th minute before being substituted in the 33rd minute after experiencing discomfort in his groin.
Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that medical examinations showed an advanced-moderate strain involving bleeding in the right adductor muscle group and said treatment had commenced.
The injury has kept Osimhen out of Galatasaray’s subsequent fixtures, including the Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon.
He was initially included in Nigeria’s squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, but was later withdrawn after his recovery progressed more slowly than initially expected.
A statement from the Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, said Galatasaray and Nigeria’s technical staff had initially hoped Osimhen would recover in time for the international window.
“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected. He was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window,” the statement said.
Osimhen’s latest expected return date means he could be available for Galatasaray after the international break, although his final involvement will depend on his fitness and the club’s medical assessment.
Before the injury, the 27-year-old had made an impressive start to the new campaign, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four appearances for Galatasaray.
His absence has also affected Nigeria, with Taiwo Awoniyi returning to the Super Eagles squad for the first time in two years following Osimhen’s withdrawal.
Other forwards available to coach Eric Chelle for the AFCON qualifiers include Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Rafiu Durosinmi.
Galatasaray has not publicly confirmed an exact return date for Osimhen, so the October 9 fixture against Kasımpaşa remains an expected return target rather than a confirmed appearance.
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