Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has delivered the clearest update yet on Victor Osimhen’s injury recovery, Soccernet.ng reports.
The club's number-one official has outlined a firm two-week timeline for the striker’s return as the Turkish champions brace for a crucial stretch of the season.
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray’s record signing and the most expensive acquisition in the club’s history, suffered the setback while on international duty with Nigeria.
The 26-year-old was forced off during the first half of the Super Eagles’ tense 2026 World Cup playoff against DR Congo. He did not reappear after the break, with Sevilla forward Akor Adams replacing him. Nigeria went on to lose 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time, crashing out of the race for the next World Cup.
Once back in Istanbul, Osimhen underwent an MRI scan midweek, which revealed a mild tear in his hamstring accompanied by internal bleeding. The findings prompted early concern, but Galatasaray’s medical staff have since delivered a cautiously optimistic outlook.
President Özbek confirmed that the striker will miss upcoming fixtures but is on a structured, accelerated rehabilitation plan.
“His MRI was performed here,” Dursun Özbek said as per Hurriyet. “He'll likely have a recovery period of approximately two weeks. Our focus is on Osimhen being ready for the Fenerbahçe match. Our doctors are working on that.”
In the short term, Osimhen will sit out the league clash against Gençlerbirliği and the Champions League meeting with Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise.
Both matches are significant, but Galatasaray are determined to have their marquee forward available for the heated December 1 derby against Fenerbahçe, a fixture that shapes title races, shifts momentum and defines seasons in Turkish football.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Victor Osimhen’s injury return, a boost for Nigeria ahead of AFCON 2025
Beyond club concerns, Osimhen’s injury timeline carries weight for Nigeria, with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations only weeks away.
The tournament begins on December 21 in Morocco and runs through January 18, meaning any long-term layoff could have jeopardised his involvement.
Initial fears of a lengthy absence have now eased. After further examinations, Galatasaray confirmed that Osimhen suffered a moderate strain in his left posterior muscle along with internal bleeding, but the damage is not severe enough to rule him out of AFCON preparations.
Provided his recovery proceeds as expected, he will be available to spearhead Nigeria’s attack in Morocco.
The Super Eagles will face North African giants Tunisia, who earned an impressive 1-1 draw against former world champions Brazil, in the group stage of the AFCON. Uganda and Tanzania are the other nations in Nigeria’s AFCON group.
