Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has returned to team training with Galatasaray after healing from the ankle injury he suffered while on international duty two weeks ago.
The 26-year-old took part in training exercises with his teammates on Sunday before Galatasaray’s Super Lig game against Konyaspor at Rams Park on Monday, but he did not play in the match.
Osimhen has been out of action since sustaining an ankle injury in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on 6 September, where he had to exit in the 35th minute following a challenge by Claude Niyomugabo.
The injury turned out to be more severe than first thought, causing him to miss Galatasaray’s victory against Eyupspor in the Super Lig and their disappointing 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in their Champions League debut.
As reported by Ajansspor, Osimhen took part in several training exercises with his teammates and engaged in individual activities during Sunday’s practice.
His comeback to training is an encouraging indication as Galatasaray gears up for upcoming matches, with the club earlier targeting a 30 September return for their UEFA Champions League encounter with Liverpool.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk had earlier voiced doubt about the forward’s comeback timeline, explaining that the athlete’s responses during practices suggested he wasn’t prepared to play.
“Osimhen’s hurt, you know. He didn’t play in the league game, so we had the hope of at least getting this game up,” Buruk said before the Frankfurt match.
“He tried in practice for the last two days, but the feedback from him is not enough to play right now. That’s what we talked about with our paramedics. The health of our players is very important to us.”
The Nigeria international, who was loaned to Galatasaray from Napoli in the summer transfer window, has played three league matches this season, scoring twice prior to the international break that caused his injury.
Osimhen’s comeback would greatly enhance the current Turkish champions in their Super Lig and UEFA Champions League efforts.
The club has been managing the striker’s injury with great caution, emphasizing his complete recovery rather than a hurried comeback