•Victor Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is hopeful of returning to action for Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon next week after suffering a groin injury in Friday’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir.
The Nigerian forward was substituted in the 33rd minute after picking up the injury, but he has downplayed concerns over his fitness and is targeting a return against the Portuguese side if he is deemed fit by the club’s medical and coaching staff, reports Sunday PUNCH.
“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 put Galatasaray ahead with a fine strike into the top corner after being set up by Lucas Torreira, before discomfort forced him off, with Barış Alper Yılmaz taking his place.
Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that strain and pain had been detected in Osimhen’s right adductor muscle group and that treatment had begun.
The Turkish champions said advanced examinations, including an MRI scan, were being conducted on Osimhen and teammate Mario Lemina, with the medical assessments expected to be completed today.
The development had raised concerns over Osimhen’s availability for Galatasaray’s Champions League return, but the striker’s comments have offered hope that he could recover in time for the Sporting Lisbon encounter.
His availability would be a major boost for Galatasaray, who will be hoping their leading forward can recover quickly and avoid a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Osimhen’s fitness will also be monitored by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
