Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has given fans reason for optimism after confirming that star striker Victor Osimhen is on track to return in time for the club’s crunch Champions League clash against Liverpool, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian forward has been out since September 6, when he injured his ankle while playing for the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
Scans revealed a ligament strain and internal bleeding, sidelining him from key fixtures, including Nigeria’s draw with South Africa and Galatasaray’s 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Speaking after Monday night’s 3-1 win over Konyaspor, Buruk confirmed that Osimhen has rejoined team training, though not yet at full capacity.
He hinted that Osimhen could be eased back with a substitute appearance against Alanyaspor on Friday. The focus, however, is on having him fully fit for the Group Stage showdown with Liverpool at Rams Park on September 30.
“He took part in part of the training session,” Buruk said as per Milliyet. “He has minor aches and pains.
“But if he can tolerate them and play, we hope he’ll be with the team in our next match. We’ll try him out in training. He played for 10 minutes yesterday. His pain is still there.
“We expect him to be in the squad for the Alanyaspor match. We expect him to be on the pitch for the Liverpool match.”
Osimhen has been gradually working his way back to full fitness in Istanbul and Turkish outlets report that he will undergo a fresh MRI scan later this week to determine his readiness.
For Galatasaray, Osimhen’s imminent return comes as a timely boost as the Super Lig champions will need to be at full-strength when they lock horns with the Premier League giants in the Champions League.
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