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By Oscar Okhifo
Galatasaray have fixed September 30, 2025 as the tentative return date for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
The Turkish champions are hoping to have him back in time for their crunch UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool.
Osimhen sustained the injury earlier this month while on duty for Nigeria.
Medical checks revealed a moderate strain to his ankle ligaments and internal bleeding, forcing him out of action, including the recent group stage tie against Eintracht Frankfurt. He has since been undergoing intensive treatment in Istanbul.
While the club’s medical staff report steady progress, head coach Okan Buruk stressed caution, saying Osimhen’s return will depend on how well he responds to training.
“We are hopeful, but we don’t want to risk him until he is fully fit,” Buruk said.
However, the injury has not been without controversy. Ghanaian ex-international Asamoah Gyan recently accused Osimhen and his club of faking the setback to avoid national team duty and return quickly to his club.
Neither Galatasaray nor Osimhen has publicly denied the claim, leaving the speculation hanging.
For now, the Turkish champions are not expected to field the forward in domestic fixtures, including this weekend’s Super Lig clash against Konyaspor.
The focus remains on ensuring he is fully fit for the September 30 Champions League showdown.
Signed from Napoli this summer in a record deal, Osimhen has already established himself as a vital part of Galatasaray’s attack, and his return is seen as crucial to the club’s European ambition.
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