Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray receive terrible news on Super Eagles star’s return to Istanbul

Galatasaray have confirmed a major injury setback involving Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian striker now set to undergo surgery following a fractured arm, Afrik-Foot reports.

The development comes as a significant blow for both the player and the Turkish champions at a crucial stage of the season.

The Real Madrid-linked Super Eagles forward returned to Istanbul earlier today after spending a short break in Nigeria with family and friends. Upon arrival, he went straight for medical checks, where doctors confirmed the seriousness of the injury he picked up during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Liverpool.

Galatasaray quickly released an official statement to clarify the situation. The club said: “Our footballer Victor Osimhen has been taken into surgery due to a fracture in his arm. The necessary statement will be made through our official channels after the surgery.”

The injury itself occurred early in the Liverpool match. Despite the pain, Osimhen continued playing through the first half before eventually being substituted. Further examinations later revealed that the striker had suffered a broken arm, leaving surgery as the only viable treatment option.

His decision to return immediately to Istanbul for further medical care underlines the seriousness of the situation. Now, with surgery confirmed, attention has turned to how long the forward will be sidelined.

What Victor Osimhen’s absence means for Galatasaray

Early reports suggest that Victor Osimhen is expected to be out of action for between five and six weeks. This timeline presents a difficult period for Galatasaray, who will have to cope without one of their most influential attacking players.

The Nigerian striker has been central to the team’s success this season, delivering an impressive return of 19 goals and 7 assists in 29 matches across all competitions. His direct involvement in 26 goals highlights just how important he is to the team’s attacking structure.

During his absence, Galatasaray are set to face key Süper Lig fixtures, including matches against Trabzonspor, Göztepe, Kocaelispor, and Gençlerbirliği. These games could prove decisive in their title push, making his absence even more significant.

The club’s medical and coaching staff are now working towards having Osimhen fit in time for the highly anticipated derby against Fenerbahçe later in the campaign. However, much will depend on how well he recovers from the procedure.

The Nigeria international has been left out of the Super Eagles squad for this month’s friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Turkey.