Victor Osimhen has shown how determined he is to return to action after reportedly choosing to remain in hospital longer than planned following surgery on his arm, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Galatasaray striker had surgery after suffering a fractured forearm during a Champions League last-16 defeat to Liverpool earlier this month. The operation, which lasted around three hours, was described as successful.
Initial plans were for Osimhen to leave hospital the day after the procedure. However, Turkish journalist Haluk Yürekli (via Forza Cimbom) reported that the Nigerian asked club officials to extend his stay.
According to Yürekli, Osimhen told the club:
“I don’t want to be discharged; I want my care to continue here so I can return sooner.”
During that extended stay, access to the striker was tightly controlled. A security guard was placed outside his room, and even close family members were not allowed in. The focus, according to reports, was to create a calm and controlled environment where he could recover as quickly as possible under medical supervision.
He has now been discharged, but the decision to remain in hospital longer has been viewed positively within the club. Galatasaray officials reportedly see it as a sign of commitment and sacrifice, with Osimhen doing everything possible to speed up his recovery.
The striker has already built a reputation for playing through pain and returning quickly from injuries, and this latest move appears to follow that same pattern of determination.
Victor Osimhen: Target set for derby return in April
Attention has now turned to when Victor Osimhen could return to action, and early signs suggest it could be sooner than first expected.
Initial estimates indicated he might be out for between six and eight weeks. However, more recent updates suggest a recovery window closer to four to six weeks, raising hopes of an earlier comeback.
The main target is the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe on April 26, 2026. Some reports even claim that, if recovery continues smoothly, Osimhen could be ready to start that match.
There is also confidence in the medical team led by Yener İnce, with modern treatment methods expected to support a faster return. When he does come back, Osimhen is likely to wear a protective splint on his arm, similar to the face mask he has used in the past after previous injuries.
Still, caution remains important. While there is optimism around his progress, the club will not want to risk a setback by rushing him back too soon.
If he misses the derby, a return in the final weeks of the season remains a strong possibility.
Either way, Osimhen’s recovery could have a major impact on Galatasaray’s title push. The upcoming fixtures, including matches involving rivals like Beşiktaş, are expected to shape the outcome of the league.
Galatasaray currently lead the Turkish Super Lig with 64 points, four more than second-placed Fenerbahçe, despite playing one fewer game than their eternal rivals.
