Osimhen recovers, returns to Gala training
File copy: Victor Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has returned to team training with Galatasaray after recovering from the ankle injury he sustained on international duty two weeks ago.
The 26-year-old participated in some training drills with his teammates on Sunday ahead of Galatasaray’s Super Lig fixture against Konyaspor at Rams Park on Monday, though he did not feature in the match.
Osimhen has been sidelined since suffering the ankle injury during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on 6 September, when he was forced off in the 35th minute after a challenge from Claude Niyomugabo.
The injury proved more serious than initially anticipated, forcing him to miss Galatasaray’s victory over Eyupspor in the Super Lig and their disappointing 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in their Champions League opener.
According to Ajansspor, Osimhen participated in some of the training drills with his teammates and did some personal work during Sunday’s session.
His return to training is a positive sign as Galatasaray prepare for upcoming fixtures, with the club previously eyeing a 30 September return for their UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool.
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk had previously expressed uncertainty over the striker’s return date, revealing that the player’s feedback from training sessions indicated he was not ready to feature.
“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.”
The Nigeria international, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli during the summer transfer window, has made three league appearances this campaign, finding the net twice before the international break that led to his injury setback.
Osimhen’s return would provide a significant boost for the reigning Turkish champions in both the Super Lig and UEFA Champions League campaigns.
The club have been handling the striker’s injury with extra care, prioritising his full recovery over a rushed return to action.
