Victor Osimhen’s return for Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig clash with Kasımpaşa on Friday remains uncertain, with club doctor Yener İnce urging caution over the striker’s recovery.
Osimhen has missed Galatasaray’s last three matches in all competitions after suffering an injury during the club’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir last month. The setback also ruled the Nigeria international out of the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Galatasaray are scheduled to host Kasımpaşa at RAMS Park on Friday, with Osimhen hoping to make his return after recovering from the injury. However, İnce has stopped short of confirming the forward’s availability.
The Galatasaray physician said Osimhen’s treatment is progressing well but revealed that the striker suffered a Grade 2 muscle injury accompanied by a large hematoma and significant bleeding.
İnce stressed that the injury is a serious one and should not be underestimated.
According to the doctor, the hematoma was drained through a different procedure with the assistance of radiologists at the club’s sponsor hospital. Osimhen reportedly felt significantly better following the procedure, although his treatment remains ongoing.
The Nigeria international has also returned to portions of team training, but Galatasaray are unwilling to rush his comeback. İnce said Osimhen’s fitness will continue to be assessed on a day-to-day basis, with decisions based on the results of medical tests at each stage of his recovery.
The same cautious approach is being applied to Wilfried Singo, who is also recovering from injury.
İnce acknowledged that Galatasaray are entering an important stretch of the season, but insisted that the club’s priority is to prevent players from suffering setbacks that could keep them out for even longer.
He added that the club would take every possible precaution to protect Osimhen during his recovery.
The Galatasaray doctor also addressed speculation surrounding Osimhen’s absence from team training after the striker returned to Türkiye following a short holiday in Nigeria.
İnce explained that Osimhen returned with an upper respiratory infection and was consequently placed on an individual training programme for two days rather than immediately rejoining the main squad.
With Friday’s fixture approaching, Osimhen’s availability will therefore depend on the outcome of further medical assessments, with Galatasaray expected to make a late decision on whether the striker is ready to return to competitive action.
