Turkish giants Galatasaray have provided a crucial update on the fitness of Victor Osimhen, delivering a significant blow to Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 25-year-old striker suffered an injury during Galatasaray’s Super Lig encounter against Kasımpaşa on September 28.
Osimhen, who scored twice in the first half – his first goals for the Turkish giants – was forced off at halftime due to discomfort.
The Nigerian international signaled to the technical bench for a substitution, and former Napoli forward Dries Mertens replaced him at the break.
Despite holding a three-goal lead, Galatasaray collapsed after Osimhen’s departure, eventually drawing the match 3-3.
After the game, Osimhen tried to ease concerns about his condition, telling fans that he was “fine” and only felt some discomfort in his leg.
However, on Tuesday, Galatasaray released a statement with further details about the injury.
“The treatment of our football player Victor Osimhen, who felt pain in his upper left posterior muscle during the Kasımpaşa match… has been started,” read the club’s statement.
The diagnosis revealed a strain and minor bleeding in his left posterior muscle group.
Osimhen will miss Galatasaray’s upcoming UEFA Europa League clash with Rigas FC on October 3 and their Super Lig fixture against Alanyaspor on October 6.
His participation in Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers is also in doubt.
The Super Eagles are set to face Libya in Uyo on October 11 before traveling to Benghazi for the return leg on October 15.
Osimhen, who was pivotal in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in September, will be a significant loss for the national team if he is unable to recover in time.
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