Victor Osimhen makes partial return to Galatasaray training ahead of Barcelona clash

Galatasaray have received a major boost ahead of their Champions League meeting with Barcelona after Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen made a partial return to team training following a month-long spell on the sidelines.

Osimhen has been recovering from a muscle injury suffered during Galatasaray’s league encounter with Basaksehir on September 4. The striker was forced off after experiencing pain in his thigh, with subsequent medical examinations confirming a muscle problem that required treatment and a rehabilitation programme.

The injury ruled the Nigerian out of several matches, including Galatasaray’s recent Champions League fixture against Sporting Lisbon, depriving the Turkish giants of one of their most important attacking weapons.

However, there is now renewed optimism over his recovery after the club confirmed that Osimhen joined his teammates for part of a training session.

The 27-year-old subsequently continued with his individual rehabilitation programme under the supervision of Galatasaray’s medical team as the club carefully manages his return.

Galatasaray are hopeful that Osimhen can feature for at least some minutes against Kasimpasa next Friday. A return in that game would allow the striker to regain his match sharpness before the much-anticipated Champions League encounter with Barcelona.

The Turkish side are scheduled to host Barcelona on Tuesday, October 13, with Osimhen’s potential return providing a significant boost to their preparations for the European showdown.

Despite the positive development, Galatasaray are expected to take a cautious approach with the Nigerian forward. The club’s medical and coaching staff are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with a player who is returning from a muscle injury, particularly with a major European fixture approaching.

Further medical assessments in the coming days will determine whether Osimhen is fit enough to make the squad against Barcelona, start the game or continue his recovery on the sidelines.

Osimhen had enjoyed an impressive start to the Turkish league campaign before his injury, registering six goals and two assists in his opening four appearances.

His return would therefore represent a major attacking boost for Galatasaray as they prepare for one of their biggest Champions League tests of the season.