Victor Osimhen faces more than a month out after knee surgery, reports say

New details have emerged about Victor Osimhen’s knee injury, with reports indicating that surgeons removed a loose fragment from his left knee during an operation on November 7.

The Nigeria striker underwent surgery at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital in Turkey, performed by Galatasaray club doctor Yener İnce, after suffering an injury that has raised concerns over his availability for both club and country.

According to Nigerian journalists covering the Super Eagles’ preparations in Uyo, the operation was successful and involved the removal of a detached fragment from Osimhen’s left knee.

The journalists, who spoke to Foot Africa on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said a clearer picture of the striker’s recovery should emerge within 10 to 14 days.

They also indicated that the removed fragment could require more than a month of recovery before Osimhen is ready to return to competitive action.

Galatasaray confirmed the operation in a statement published on November 7.

“Futbolcumuz Victor Osimhen, bugün Maslak Acıbadem Hastanesi’nde kulüp doktorumuz Yener İnce tarafından gerçekleştirilen başarılı bir operasyon geçirmiştir. Oyuncumuzun durumu günlük değerlendirmelerle takip edilecek olup tedavisi kulüp sağlık ekibimiz gözetiminde sürdürülecektir.”

The Turkish club added that it wished the striker a speedy recovery.

There have been different estimates about how long Osimhen could remain on the sidelines. Initial projections suggested he would be unavailable for three to four weeks, while Turkish journalist Celik Cagatay previously reported that his recovery could take between two and three weeks.

Cagatay had suggested that Osimhen would miss Galatasaray’s league meeting with Samsunspor after the international break but could be available for their UEFA Champions League encounter against Aston Villa.

However, the latest reports have raised the possibility of a longer absence, with a five-week recovery period also being mentioned. Galatasaray have yet to confirm an official return date.

Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük also reported on November 9 that Osimhen had been given the option of leaving hospital but preferred to continue receiving treatment there to make his recovery more comfortable.

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has also urged caution over predictions about the striker’s return, insisting that his condition will be assessed regularly.

“There is no definitive timetable for Osimhen, only estimates. We have to follow the situation day by day.”

The coach believes the international break will give the club additional time to monitor the forward’s progress before making a decision on his availability.

“The international break is at least an advantage for us. Then we will continue to follow and evaluate his progress on a day-to-day basis.”

Buruk stressed that ensuring Osimhen returns in the right physical condition is more important than rushing him back into action.

“I hope he comes back as soon as possible, but the most important thing is not how quickly he comes back: it’s that he comes back in the best possible health and as strong as possible.

“There may be times when we don’t want to risk playing him for a week, three days, or five days. That’s why we need to assess his condition day by day after the international break. These two weeks will be important for us.”

Meanwhile, Osimhen’s injury has already ruled him out of Nigeria’s upcoming double-header against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

His absence is a setback for head coach Eric Chelle, who will have to prepare the Super Eagles without one of their leading attacking players.

The injury is also expected to feature prominently when Nigeria’s players meet journalists on Wednesday, November 11, at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Ikot Ekpene.

Chelle is scheduled to address the media during his pre-match press conference in Uyo on Thursday, November 12, where questions about Osimhen’s condition and Nigeria’s plans without him are expected.

Nigeria will host Tanzania in the first leg on Friday, November 13, before travelling for the return fixture on November 17.

For now, Osimhen’s return remains uncertain, with Galatasaray expected to continue monitoring his recovery before deciding when he can resume playing.