Galatasaray’s medical team will put Victor Osimhen through a crucial test today as the club races against time to have the Nigerian striker available for Monday night’s fiery derby with Fenerbahce.
Naija News reports that Osimhen has spent the past ten days recovering from a hamstring injury picked up while playing for Nigeria against Congo during the recent international break.
The strain, which also involved internal bleeding, has forced him out of Galatasaray’s last two matches. His absence was felt most painfully during Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, a result that brought an end to the club’s 33-match unbeaten run at home.
Most of his rehabilitation has taken place in the gym, although the 26-year-old is expected to join the rest of the squad on the training ground today so the coaches and medical staff can judge whether he has a realistic chance of featuring in Kadıköy.
Reports in Turkey suggest Osimhen has told those around him that he is willing to “make sacrifices” in order to be part of the derby squad.
Head coach Okan Buruk is said to be in regular contact with the medical department and is keen to have his leading striker back, especially with Galatasaray dealing with a long list of absentees.
The club is currently without nine players due to injuries and suspensions, making Osimhen’s possible return even more important.
Galatasaray have not managed to score in either of their European fixtures without him this season, highlighting his influence on their forward line.
