Victor Osimhen is reportedly on course to return to action for Galatasaray after the first international break of the 2026/27 season as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.
The Nigerian striker is expected to be available for Galatasaray’s Süper Lig clash with Kasımpaşa on October 9, according to reports from the Turkish media.
Osimhen was initially included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, but he was subsequently withdrawn from the team after his recovery took longer than anticipated.
“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected. He was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window,” the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, said.
The Galatasaray forward sustained the injury during his side’s encounter with Başakşehir on September 4. Since then, he has missed matches against Sporting Lisbon, Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.
His absence has also forced Nigeria to make changes to its attacking options for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been recalled to the Super Eagles for the first time in two years following Osimhen’s withdrawal. His return was confirmed on Sunday after the team’s medical staff ruled Osimhen out.
Awoniyi is expected to compete for a starting role alongside Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Rafiu Durosinmi, all of whom have been making positive contributions for their respective clubs.
Osimhen had made an explosive start to the new campaign before suffering the injury, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four appearances.
The Galatasaray forward will now focus on completing his recovery with the aim of returning to competitive action in October and resuming the prolific form he displayed at the beginning of the season.
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