Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Victor Osimhen is expected to return to action for Galatasaray after the September international break, with reports indicating that the Nigerian striker is being lined up for the club’s Süper Lig meeting with Kasımpaşa in October.
The 27-year-old forward has been sidelined since suffering a right-adductor injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 away victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4, 2026. Galatasaray later confirmed that medical examinations found a moderate-to-advanced strain involving bleeding and damage in the right adductor muscle group.
Osimhen’s Recovery Timeline
Osimhen was forced off in the 33rd minute against Başakşehir and subsequently missed Galatasaray’s Champions League opener against Sporting CP, as well as domestic league matches against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.
Galatasaray’s medical team has continued to monitor his recovery, with Turkish media reports now pointing to a return following the international window.
Punch, citing Turkish media reports, said Osimhen is expected to be available for Galatasaray’s meeting with Kasımpaşa after the break.
The fixture is scheduled for October 11 at RAMS Park according to Kasımpaşa’s published schedule, although some fixture listings have carried October 9 as the date. The club schedule currently lists Galatasaray versus Kasımpaşa as the seventh-week fixture on October 11.
Injury Forced Super Eagles Withdrawal
Osimhen’s injury also affected Nigeria’s plans for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The striker was initially included in the Super Eagles squad for the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. However, he was subsequently withdrawn after his recovery was assessed as insufficient for international duty.
Nigeria’s team media officer, Promise Efoghe, said Osimhen’s recovery from the muscle strain had been slower than initially expected. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently brought into the squad as his replacement.
The decision allowed Osimhen to continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of Galatasaray’s medical team rather than return prematurely for international matches.
Strong Start Before Injury
Osimhen had made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign before the injury interrupted his run.
According to Punch, the former Napoli striker scored six goals and supplied two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances of the season.
His absence therefore represents a significant change to Galatasaray’s attacking options as the Istanbul club balances its domestic campaign with European competition.
Galatasaray began its Champions League league-phase campaign with a 3-1 defeat away to Sporting CP on September 10. The club’s official match report confirmed the result and noted that Barcelona will be Galatasaray’s next Champions League opponent at home.
Galatasaray Managing Osimhen’s Return Carefully
The club has already taken a cautious approach to Osimhen’s rehabilitation.
Earlier reports indicated that although the striker could potentially have recovered in time for the Trabzonspor fixture, Galatasaray did not intend to rush him back into competitive action. Soccernet reported that the club preferred to allow him additional recovery time rather than expose him to the risk of aggravating the injury.
That approach could mean Osimhen’s eventual return is managed gradually, depending on his fitness and the medical team’s assessment.
The club’s original medical statement confirmed that treatment was continuing after the diagnosis, without announcing a fixed return date at that stage.
Why Osimhen’s Return Matters
Osimhen’s potential comeback comes at an important point in Galatasaray’s season.
The striker’s goals have been central to the club’s attacking output, while Galatasaray are competing on both the domestic and European fronts.
For Nigeria, his recovery will also be closely monitored as the Super Eagles continue their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
However, the reported return against Kasımpaşa remains a target rather than confirmation that Osimhen will definitely play. His final availability will depend on his recovery, training progress and the medical team’s assessment closer to the fixture.
What Happens Next
Osimhen is expected to continue his rehabilitation during the international break before rejoining full team preparations when medically cleared.
If his recovery proceeds as reported, Galatasaray could have him available for the Kasımpaşa fixture at RAMS Park in October.
The match would provide Osimhen with an opportunity to return to competitive football before Galatasaray’s next major European commitments.
For now, the key issue remains his fitness. Neither the player’s return nor his participation in the Kasımpaşa match should be treated as guaranteed until Galatasaray confirms his availability.
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Sources
- Galatasaray SK — Official medical and injury information; 2026/27 fixture information.
- Punch — Report on Osimhen’s expected return after the international break.
- Anadolu Agency — Galatasaray medical update on Osimhen’s adductor injury.
- Soccernet NG — Reporting on Galatasaray’s decision not to rush Osimhen’s recovery.
- Kasımpaşa — Published 2026/27 fixture schedule.
