Nigeria star Victor Osimhen to mark injury return against Kasimpasa

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is expected to make his return from injury when the Turkish champions face Kasimpasa in the Turkish Super Lig on October 9.

The Nigeria international has been sidelined with a groin injury but is reportedly making good progress in his recovery and could be handed a limited appearance as he works his way back to full fitness.

According to reports, Osimhen is expected to feature for at least 30 minutes against Kasimpasa as Galatasaray carefully manage his return to competitive action.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in September and has subsequently missed three matches.

His absence has also extended to European competition, with the prolific forward missing Galatasaray’s opening UEFA Champions League fixture.

Galatasaray are expected to take a cautious approach with Osimhen as he continues his recovery, with the club keen to avoid rushing him back and risking a recurrence of the injury.

The Nigerian could then be in contention for a major Champions League assignment against Barcelona on October 13, just four days after the expected return against Kasimpasa.

Osimhen had made an impressive start to the campaign before suffering the setback, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four appearances for Galatasaray.

His goalscoring form had made him a key figure in the Turkish side’s attack, and his return would provide another attacking boost as the club enters an important period of the season.

The striker’s influence was also highlighted by Turkish football data application OptaCan, which reportedly ranked Osimhen as the player with the most touches inside opponents’ penalty areas during the opening six weeks of the Turkish Super Lig.

Osimhen recorded 44 touches in opposition penalty areas, putting him at the top of the list.

Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood and Egyptian star Mohamed Salah followed with 36 touches each, while Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard recorded 30.

The figures underline Osimhen’s ability to consistently position himself in dangerous areas and threaten opposing defences.

Galatasaray will now hope his recovery continues without complications, with the Kasimpasa fixture potentially serving as the first step towards a full return before the Champions League meeting with Barcelona.