Galatasaray confident of recovering Osimhen ahead of Barcelona clash in Champions League

Galatasaray is getting its biggest star back at the most demanding point of the season. Victor Osimhen rejoined team training on Wednesday after spending more than a month on the sidelines with a groin injury, and he is now targeting the Champions League clash against FC Barcelona next Tuesday in Istanbul, in the second round of the league phase.

• Osimhen has not played since September 4, when he picked up the groin problem.
• The Nigerian forward completed only part of Wednesday's group session.
• Galatasaray's medical staff are cautious and will review test results before clearing him.
• Barcelona visit the Turkish champions on Tuesday at 21:00 local time for matchday two.
• Galatasaray come into the game after losing 3-1 away to Sporting Lisbon in their European opener.

Osimhen steps up recovery to face Barcelona in Istanbul

The Nigerian talisman is back in the group dynamic. After a month out due to the adductor issue, Osimhen took part in part of the collective session with his teammates, opening the door to a possible return for the European fixture against the Catalan side.

The forward was left out of Nigeria's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, a sign that Galatasaray's coaching staff wanted to avoid further strain. Now the focus is on a gradual comeback, with the continental date firmly in sight.

Galatasaray's doctor explains Osimhen's injury and treatment

Yener Ince, the Turkish club's doctor, detailed the extent of the injury and the approach taken to speed up the player's recovery. According to him, Osimhen suffered a serious haemorrhage in the muscle group, an issue the medical team never took lightly.

We drained the haematoma using a different method. The player feels even more relieved. His treatment continues. Rather than losing the player for even longer, we have to move forward based on our test results. Yes, we need him, but we will try to protect him as much as possible.

The club is taking a cautious approach. Osimhen completed part of training with the squad, but the final call on his involvement against Kasimpasa in the league on Friday will depend on the outcome of the medical tests carried out. The goal is clear: to have him fully ready for the Barcelona match.

Osimhen, a familiar threat for Barcelona

This will not be the first time the Nigerian striker faces Barcelona. In the first leg of the 2023-24 Champions League round of 16, wearing the Napoli shirt, Osimhen scored in the 1-1 draw against the Catalans on Italian soil. His pace in behind and physical presence made him a constant headache for the Barcelona backline.

That precedent adds extra spice to the striker's return, as he looks to deliver again in the cauldron of the Ali Sami Yen. The Turkish fans are waiting for their main weapon in a match that could shape Galatasaray's path in the new continental format.

Key returns bolster Galatasaray for Champions League

Beyond the Nigerian forward, coach Okan Buruk has other positive news on the injury front. Ivorian right-back Wilfried Singo and Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina have also rejoined team training, giving the Turkish champions more options for their busy schedule across domestic and European competition.

Galatasaray currently sit second in the Turkish top flight with 13 points from a possible 18, level with leaders Amed SK. Before hosting Barça, Buruk's side play a domestic fixture against Kasimpasa at home this Friday.

The Lisbon setback and the pressure to react

The reigning Turkish champions started the new league phase with a painful defeat. At the José Alvalade, Sporting Lisbon handed them a 3-1 loss that exposed the lack of attacking firepower in Osimhen's absence. Interestingly, that same stadium is where Barcelona will play in the penultimate round, on Wednesday, January 20.

With zero points on the board, Galatasaray cannot afford another slip-up against the Catalan side if they want to stay in the race for the next round. The Champions League offers no room for error, and the return of their top scorer looks essential if they are to compete against a Barcelona side flying high after a big win in their opener.

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