Victor Osimhen is set to return to action wearing a custom-built carbon fiber protective brace on his right forearm, as Galatasaray’s medical team work to get their star striker back on the pitch, Footynaija.com reports.
The 27-year-old fractured his right forearm during Galatasaray’s Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Liverpool at Anfield on March 18, after an aerial collision with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté.
Osimhen played on through the first half with a bandaged arm before being withdrawn at half-time, by which point the damage was confirmed. Galatasaray went on to lose 4-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate, exiting the competition.
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Surgery followed shortly after his return to Istanbul, and his recovery has moved quickly.
Built to take a hit
As confirmed by Le Marca Sports, Galatasaray’s medical staff have developed a specialised carbon fiber brace to protect the fracture site on his return.
Carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel but carries almost no weight, making it the material of choice for contact sports where protection and mobility must coexist.
It is the same principle behind the protective face mask Osimhen has worn since cheekbone surgery in 2021, which has since become one of his most recognisable features on the pitch.
The target return date is the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe on April 26, a fixture that carries title implications with Galatasaray currently holding a four-point lead in the Süper Lig.
Coach Okan Buruk has been careful with his words, acknowledging that Osimhen could possibly feature in the cup tie against Gençlerbirliği before then, but that the derby remains the primary goal.
This season, Osimhen has scored 19 goals and contributed seven assists across 29 appearances, including seven goals in 10 Champions League matches before the Liverpool exit.
The armour, it seems, will be ready before he is.
