Soccer
Nigeria and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xAllstarxPicturexLibraryxLtdxIMAGO
Victor Osimhen’s recovery from injury has taken a positive step forward, with Galatasaray confirming the striker has returned to light training as he works towards a comeback, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward has begun indoor sessions after completing the first phase of his treatment, offering encouragement to the Turkish giants ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Osimhen sustained a fractured right forearm during a collision with Ibrahima Konaté in a UEFA Champions League tie against Liverpool in mid-March. The injury required surgery, which was successfully carried out days later.
Since then, Galatasaray have been cautious with his rehabilitation. Their latest update confirms the 27-year-old is no longer in the early recovery phase and has now started working indoors, a key step before returning to full team training.
The club resumed preparations for their league match against Trabzonspor with a structured session that included warm-up drills, passing exercises and a small-sided tournament. While Osimhen did not join his teammates on the pitch, his individual progress indoors signals that his recovery is on track.
Head coach Okan Buruk and his staff are expected to continue monitoring the striker closely, with no risks likely to be taken given the nature of the injury.
Soccer Victor Osimhen: Target set for April return in Istanbul derby
Despite the seriousness of the injury, Osimhen is already working towards a return date, with late April emerging as the most realistic timeline.
The Super Eagles striker is aiming to be fit for the high-profile Intercontinental Derby against Fenerbahçe on April 26. That would place his recovery within a five to six-week window from the date of surgery, an ambitious but achievable target.
Medical staff are expected to clear him to play with a protective splint on his arm once he regains sufficient strength and match fitness. Before then, he will need to progress from indoor work to light outdoor drills, followed by full-contact training.
If that schedule holds, Osimhen is likely to miss several league matches and at least one domestic cup fixture. His focus, however, appears firmly set on returning for one of the biggest matches in Turkish football.
The timing could be crucial for Galatasaray. The title race is expected to be tight, and having their leading striker back for the derby could provide a decisive boost.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.
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