Galatasaray are working hard to get Victor Osimhen ready for their next two matches against Kasimpasa in the Super Lig and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

However, if the latest medical update is anything to go by, the Super Eagles striker could still miss both games despite returning to Galatasaray training this week.

Victor Osimhen is closer to a Galatasaray comeback than he was a few weeks ago, but the latest medical verdict has suggested that his return cannot be dictated by the calendar.

The Nigerian forward has started parts of team training after suffering a serious right adductor injury, yet Galatasaray’s medical chief Yener İnce has made it clear that the club will not gamble with its star forward simply because two important matches are approaching.

Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4.

The 27-year-old had been flying before the setback, scoring six goals and supplying two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances of the campaign. His injury subsequently ruled him out of Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures and disrupted the spectacular start he had made in Istanbul.

Victor Osimhen’s injury changes Galatasaray’s Barcelona calculation

İnce’s latest explanation, per Fanatik, has made it clear that the former Napoli striker is not completely healed just yet. The medical expert challenged suggestions that Osimhen’s absence was merely precautionary.

The Galatasaray doctor said the Nigerian suffered a grade-two muscle injury accompanied by a large hematoma, describing the bleeding as significant. The club’s medical team even used a different procedure to drain the hematoma, after which the striker’s condition improved.

“Osimhen’s recovery process is going very well, but he suffered a serious hemorrhage in a muscle group we call the acupressure system. It’s a significant injury. His treatment is ongoing.

“He has started some of the team’s training, but we’ll see how things go day by day. We don’t want to risk the player. We will make a decision based on the results of the tests. We will try to protect him as much as possible.”

Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO

Victor Osimhen took part in part of Galatasaray’s training on Tuesday before continuing with an individual programme. The club’s official training report confirmed that he did not complete the full session with his teammates.

Galatasaray are scheduled to host Kasımpaşa at RAMS Park on Friday, October 9, before welcoming Barcelona to Istanbul four days later, on Tuesday, October 13.

Victor Osimhen remains Galatasaray’s most potent weapon and his presence would boost the Turkish giants’ chances of registering their first Champions League win of the season.

Galatasaray are hoping the Super Eagles star could play some part against Kasimpasa to get some minutes into his legs. If that can be achieved, Osimhen could then look to start against Barcelona in midweek.