Galatasaray release fresh Osimhen update: What happens next after successful surgery?

Victor Osimhen has undergone successful knee surgery, with Galatasaray hoping to have the Nigerian striker back by November 24.

The Turkish champions confirmed on Saturday, November 7, that the Super Eagles forward underwent an arthroscopic procedure at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital. The development comes after the former Napoli forward picked up an injury during their UEFA Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart.

Osimhen injured his left knee during Galatasaray’s 2-0 win over the German side. An MRI scan later revealed a loose fragment inside the joint, prompting the club’s medical team to recommend surgery.

Galatasaray’s club doctor, Yener İnce, performed the operation on Saturday morning. The club confirmed that the surgery was successful and that its medical team would assess the striker’s condition daily during his recovery.

The Nigeria international has already been ruled out of Saturday’s Turkish Süper Lig match against Amed SK. Initial reports suggest he could be out for between two and four weeks.

Galatasaray target November 24 return for Osimhen

Galatasaray are reportedly hoping Osimhen will recover in time for their Champions League meeting with Aston Villa on November 24.

The club are keen to have their leading scorer available for the European fixture, giving the 27-year-old around three weeks to complete his rehabilitation.

Osimhen will initially work on reducing the swelling in his knee, restoring movement and rebuilding strength. He will then progress to individual training before returning to full sessions with the squad.

His recovery will determine whether he can meet Galatasaray’s target. He is also expected to miss the league fixture against Samsunspor as he continues his rehabilitation.

The Turkish champions will be keen to avoid rushing him back, especially with a demanding run of fixtures approaching.

Galatasaray face city rivals Beşiktaş shortly after the Aston Villa encounter, making Osimhen’s availability important for their upcoming domestic and European commitments.

Super Eagles lose Osimhen for Tanzania double-header

Osimhen’s absence is also a major blow for Nigeria ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania on November 13 and 17.

The Galatasaray striker is expected to miss both matches, leaving head coach Eric Chelle without Nigeria’s most valuable player and the country’s second all-time highest goalscorer.

Chelle must now consider his alternatives as the Super Eagles prepare for the two qualifiers.