Galatasaray expect Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen to spend approximately three weeks out after suffering a groin injury during Friday’s 3-2 victory against İstanbul Başakşehir.
Injury confirmed after early withdrawal
Osimhen put Galatasaray ahead but left the contest in the 33rd minute. Scans carried out in Istanbul identified a moderate groin strain accompanied by irritation around the tendon.
The medical team has rejected the use of painkilling injections while he recovers. Specialists consulted by the club said such treatment is inappropriate for groin tendon injuries and may create lasting structural problems.
Matches Osimhen is expected to miss
The injury is likely to rule the 27-year-old out of a demanding run of fixtures for both club and country:
- Galatasaray’s first Champions League league-phase game against Sporting CP on 9 September;
- The Süper Lig fifth-round fixture with Kocaelispor on 13 September;
- The league visit to Trabzonspor on 19 September;
- Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar on 25 September and Guinea-Bissau on 29 September.
Galatasaray’s attacking options
With Osimhen unavailable, Galatasaray are expected to rely on €10 million recruit Deniz Gül and Turkey winger Barış Alper Yılmaz as their principal attacking options in domestic competition and Europe.
Osimhen initially minimised the issue after the Başakşehir match and said he hoped to play against Sporting provided the club’s doctors approved his involvement.
“I feel no real problem and simply chose not to take a risk. If the coach and medical staff believe I can play against Sporting Lisbon, I want to be out there,” Osimhen said.
The forward had enjoyed an impressive beginning to the campaign and continues to be a key player for Galatasaray and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Both sides must now hope his rehabilitation remains straightforward and that no further complications delay his return.
