Victor Osimhen has returned to Galatasaray's match squad for their Super Lig clash against Gençlerbirliği, marking his comeback after a right forearm fracture sustained during the Champions League match against Liverpool on March 18. The Nigerian striker underwent surgery on March 23 at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital in Istanbul, performed by club doctor Yener İnce. Initially ruled out for six weeks, Osimhen recovered faster than expected and rejoined full training ahead of schedule. He travelled with the squad to Ankara and was seen wearing a custom-made carbon arm guard to protect the healing injury. His presence boosts Galatasaray, who won only one of their last three league matches in his absence. Head coach Okan Buruk plans to limit Osimhen's playing time in this fixture to ease him back into match fitness. The primary target is full readiness for the crucial derby against Fenerbahce on April 26, a match that could heavily influence the league outcome as the season nears its conclusion.
Osimhen's return in protective gear signals caution, not full readiness, despite the early comeback. Galatasaray are gambling on limited minutes now to secure his presence for the Fenerbahce clash, where his impact could shift the title race. His absence during a three-match stretch that yielded just one win exposed the team's overreliance on a single striker. If Osimhen is still being shielded physically, the risk of re-injury remains as high as the stakes in the upcoming derby.
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