Galatasaray step up Victor Osimhen recovery bid for Barcelona showdown

Galatasaray are working to have Victor Osimhen fully fit for their crucial UEFA Champions League meeting with Barcelona next Tuesday, with the Nigerian striker also determined to make himself available for the high-profile clash.

Osimhen has returned to Istanbul after completing his treatment and has immediately stepped up his recovery programme at Galatasaray’s Florya Metin Oktay Facilities.

The striker has been undergoing individual work as he continues his rehabilitation, with his recovery also involving indoor training and physical conditioning at the club’s facilities in Kemerburgaz and Florya.

According to Turkish outlet Milliyet, Osimhen’s determination to return has impressed Galatasaray’s technical staff as he continues to work towards regaining full fitness.

The report indicates that the 27-year-old has identified next Tuesday’s Champions League encounter with Barcelona as his principal target and is eager to be involved.

Osimhen pushes for return

Osimhen’s desire to feature against Barcelona provides Galatasaray with an additional boost as the club monitors his progress ahead of the Champions League fixture.

The forward has been working individually rather than joining full team training, meaning his availability will ultimately depend on how he responds to the final stages of his recovery.

Galatasaray will be keen to avoid rushing their star striker back before he is ready, but his progress has offered encouragement as preparations intensify for the meeting with the Spanish giants.

Osimhen has been an important attacking figure for the Turkish champions, making his potential return particularly significant for a fixture of Barcelona’s magnitude.

The Nigerian’s absence has also been felt at international level after he missed Nigeria’s opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Super Eagles absence continues

Osimhen was unavailable when Nigeria began their AFCON qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar in Uyo and subsequently missed the away fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

His absence meant the Super Eagles had to navigate the opening phase of their qualifying campaign without one of their leading attacking options.

The striker has now shifted his focus towards completing his recovery and returning to competitive action, with the Barcelona fixture emerging as the immediate objective.

For Galatasaray, having Osimhen available would provide another attacking weapon for a Champions League contest expected to attract significant attention.

The club will therefore continue to assess his physical condition over the coming days before determining whether he can take part against Barcelona.