OSIMHEN SET TO RETURN FOR GALATASARAY AGAINST KASIMPASA

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is expected to return to action for Galatasaray in their Turkish Super Lig fixture against Kasimpasa on October 9, following several weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury.

According to Turkish sports daily Fanatik, the 27-year-old striker’s return date emerged from Galatasaray’s medical rehabilitation programme.

Osimhen was initially named in Nigeria coach Eric Chelle’s squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau but subsequently withdrew from the squad to continue his recovery.

The Nigeria Football Federation and Galatasaray reportedly agreed that Osimhen should remain with the Turkish club after its medical team advised against his participation in international duty. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.

Galatasaray had confirmed that Osimhen suffered a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the right groin area.

The injury has ruled him out of Galatasaray’s Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon as well as Super Lig matches against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.

The striker’s absence has affected Galatasaray’s attacking options, with Turkish football pundit Sinan Engin also commenting on the gap left by the Nigerian following the defeat to Sporting Lisbon.

The October 9 fixture against Kasimpasa at the RAMS Park Stadium could mark Osimhen’s first appearance for Galatasaray since sustaining the injury.

The match will also come four days before Galatasaray host Barcelona in the Champions League at the same venue.

Before his injury, Osimhen enjoyed an impressive start to the season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in Galatasaray’s opening four Super Lig matches.

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has used Baris Alper Yilmaz in a central attacking role during Osimhen’s absence, while Rafael Leao has also featured as the club seeks to cope with the striker’s absence.

Osimhen’s expected return would provide another attacking option for Buruk ahead of the club’s Champions League encounter with Barcelona.