Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, is optimistic about recovering in time to feature for Galatasaray in their UEFA Champions League meeting with Sporting Lisbon next week.
The Nigerian forward picked up a groin injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 Turkish Super Lig victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on Friday and was forced to leave the pitch in the 33rd minute.
Despite the setback, Osimhen has played down fears over the severity of the injury and expressed his desire to return against Sporting Lisbon, provided the club’s medical and technical teams give him the green light.
“I have nothing, I didn’t want to risk myself. If our coach deems it appropriate for the Sporting Lisbon match, I want to be on the field,” Osimhen said.
Osimhen had earlier opened the scoring for Galatasaray with a superb finish into the top corner after being teed up by Lucas Torreira.
However, he was unable to continue after feeling discomfort, with Barış Alper Yılmaz coming on as his replacement.
Galatasaray later confirmed that Osimhen had experienced pain and a strain in his right adductor muscle group.
The club subsequently commenced treatment while further examinations were arranged.
The Turkish champions said Osimhen and teammate Mario Lemina would undergo advanced medical assessments, including MRI scans, with the results expected to be available on Sunday.
The outcome of the examinations will determine whether Osimhen can recover sufficiently to face Sporting Lisbon. His return would provide a significant boost to Galatasaray, particularly with the Nigerian striker emerging as one of the club’s key attacking threats.
Osimhen’s condition is also expected to be monitored by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
