Victor Osimhen may be back on the pitch sooner than expected, Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk hinted on Tuesday. The Nigeria striker, 27, is recovering from an arm injury suffered in last month's UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool. Buruk said, "Osimhen has started running again. It will be difficult for him to return this weekend, but I think he could be included in the squad for the Gençlerbirliği match we'll play the following week if conditions are right." He added the possibility of skipping that fixture and using the forward in the Intercontinental Derby against Fenerbahçe on April 26.
Galatasaray currently sit four points clear of both Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor after a 3‑1 victory over Göztepe on Wednesday. The win kept the Yellow and Reds in the lead of a tight Turkish Süper Lig title race. Their next league encounter is a home game against Kocaelispor scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
Buruk's comments suggest confidence in Osimhen's rehabilitation progress, despite the short‑term challenge of regaining full match fitness. The coach emphasized that the decision will hinge on the player's condition, leaving the exact timing of his return open. If the striker does feature against Fenerbahçe, it could provide a decisive boost in one of the season's most high‑profile fixtures.
It is surprising that Galatasaray would contemplate deploying Osimhen in the April 26 derby before he even completes a full training session, especially given the intensity of the fixture. Most clubs would prefer a gradual re‑introduction, yet Buruk appears ready to gamble on the striker's impact.
Tactically, Osimhen's presence would give Galatasaray a more potent aerial threat and a reliable outlet for quick transitions, addressing the narrow margin that separated them from rivals in recent matches. His recent return to running indicates that his physical readiness may be closer to full fitness than the injury timeline suggests, allowing Buruk to consider him as a strategic weapon rather than a late‑season luxury.
For Nigerian supporters, Osimhen's potential comeback is a morale lift, reinforcing his status as a key figure for both club and country. Watching his integration will also offer insights into how the Super Eagles' forward line might evolve ahead of upcoming international commitments.
The next critical test will be the derby itself; a strong performance could cement Osimhen's role and propel Galatasaray further ahead in the title chase, while a cautious approach might preserve his long‑term availability for both club and national duties.
