Victor Osimhen Nears His Return: Will He Be Able to Play for Galatasaray Against Kasımpaşa in the Süper Lig?
Victor Osimhen is getting closer to returning with Galatasaray, but one big question remains: will he be back against Kasımpaşa, or will he have to wait for the clash with Barcelona?
Victor Osimhen is making progress in his recovery, and Galatasaray is already assessing the right moment to bring him back into competitive action. The Nigeria international spent part of the international break in Lagos, where he continued his treatment under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
The forward was unable to join Nigeria for its latest Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches after Galatasaray's medical team recommended that he remain focused on his recovery.
Now, with the return of the Süper Lig on the horizon, the possibility of seeing him back in action is growing. And one date keeps coming up.
Kasımpaşa Could Be the Door to His Return
According to Yenicag Gazetesi, Osimhen could be available for Galatasaray's match against Kasımpaşa, scheduled for Friday, October 9, at RAMS Park. However, his return would have to be carefully managed.
The idea from Okan Buruk would be to avoid an overly aggressive comeback and give him around 30 minutes, depending on how the match develops. This would allow Galatasaray to assess how the striker responds in competitive action before making a bigger decision.
Just four days later, Galatasaray will host Barcelona in the Champions League. Kasımpaşa could become the test that determines whether Osimhen is truly ready to return to normal action.
The Injury Interrupted a Spectacular Start
Osimhen suffered the injury on September 4 during Galatasaray's 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir. The Nigerian scored the opening goal but was forced off in the 33rd minute after experiencing discomfort in his right groin.
Medical tests revealed an advanced-moderate strain with bleeding in the right adductor muscle group, forcing him to miss several matches, including the European opener against Sporting CP.
The problem came just as he was enjoying an impressive start to the campaign, having registered six goals and two assists in his first four appearances in the Süper Lig.
Galatasaray Needs Him, but Cannot Risk Him
Osimhen's absence has already had an impact on Galatasaray. The team has lost ground in the standings and currently sits second in the Süper Lig, while also entering the international break after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Trabzonspor.
Everything points to Kasımpaşa potentially marking the first chapter of his return, with Barcelona waiting just days later.
Victor James Osimhen
Galatasaray SK
