Report: Galatasaray get Victor Osimhen boost ahead of crunch Champions League tie at Juventus

Turkish champions Galatasaray have received a massive boost ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League playoffs second-leg clash against Italian giants Juventus, with star striker Victor Osimhen set to return to action, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Recall that the Super Eagles forward played the full 90 minutes in last week’s first-leg clash, where they claimed an emphatic 5-2 win at the RAMS Park. Although he did not score, he was heavily involved in three of the goals.

​But that performance came at a cost, as he left the game with some discomfort. As such, he missed the club’s training sessions last Thursday and Friday.

Then, on Friday, when Galatasaray announced their squad for the Süper Lig game against Konyaspor, he was conspicuously absent, with the club revealing that he had been nursing a knee problem.

​Galatasaray clearly felt his absence, as they suffered their second league defeat of the season, falling 2-0 at Konyaspor. That gave second-placed Fenerbahçe a chance to cut the gap at the top of the standings.

​However, according to fresh reports from Turkish journalist Kutlu Akpinar, the 27-year-old returned to full first-team training today. This puts him in contention to play in Wednesday’s decisive second-leg clash.

​Meanwhile, Galatasaray are still sweating on the fitness of Osimhen’s strike partner, Mauro Icardi. The Argentine forward led the line against Konyaspor but was forced off at halftime after struggling with back pain.

​What Victor Osimhen’s return means for Galatasaray

​Osimhen’s return could not have come at a better time for Galatasaray as they prepare for one of their most important games of the season.

​The Super Eagles forward was outstanding in the first leg, providing two assists and constantly troubling Juventus’ center-back pairing of Gleison Bremer and Lloyd Kelly with his physical presence throughout the encounter.

​Although Galatasaray hold a three-goal advantage over the Italian side, they will be very careful to avoid any slip-ups and need their best legs available as they hope to reach the Round of 16 of the competition.

​Osimhen is also familiar with the Allianz Stadium from his time at Napoli, and his return will give Galatasaray a strong focal point in attack, leaving the Juventus defenders with plenty to deal with in the clash.

​He is currently Galatasaray’s highest goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League. After failing to find the net in the first leg, he will be highly motivated to score in Turin.

If Galatasaray make it to the next round, it will be the first time in over a decade that they have reached the Round of 16 of Europe’s elite competition.