In Istanbul, Galatasaray are weighing the return of Victor Osimhen against the need to protect their leading striker, with Barcelona due at Rams Park next Tuesday in the second round of the Champions League league phase.
The Nigerian forward has resumed training after a month out with an adductor injury and could enter the selection picture for the 21:00 meeting with Barcelona. His availability remains uncertain, however, after he completed only part of Wednesday’s group session.
Osimhen’s recovery under close watch
- Osimhen has been absent since 4 September because of the adductor problem and was not called up by Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
- Galatasaray’s medical staff treated a significant bleed within the muscle group, draining the haematoma through a different procedure.
- The striker has since felt more comfortable and has returned for a partial session with his team-mates, while his treatment continues.
- Further test results will determine whether he can feature first in Friday’s home league match against Kasimpasa, scheduled for 19:00, and then against Barcelona.
Club doctor Yener Ince stressed that the injury cannot be treated lightly. “His recovery is progressing very well, but he had serious bleeding in the muscle group,” Ince said. “We do not want to take a risk. We will decide on the basis of the tests. We need him, of course, but our priority is to protect him rather than lose him for a longer period.”
More options for Buruk
Coach Okan Buruk has also been boosted by the returns of Ivory Coast right-back Wilfried Singo and Gabon midfielder Mario Lemina as the Turkish champions prepare for a demanding domestic and European week.
Galatasaray stand second in the Turkish championship on 13 points from six matches, level with leaders Amed SK. Their Champions League campaign began with a 3-1 defeat away to Sporting Lisbon at the Jose Alvalade, a stadium Barcelona will visit in the penultimate league-phase round on Wednesday 20 January.
Osimhen did not play in Lisbon. Should he recover in time to face Barcelona, he would meet familiar opponents: he scored for Napoli in the 1-1 first-leg draw in the 2023-24 Champions League round of 16 in Italy.
