Victor Osimhen has provided Galatasaray with a major boost after returning to training ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian striker had been out for 11 days with a hamstring strain suffered during Nigeria’s African World Cup Qualifying Play-off final in Morocco, where the Super Eagles were beaten 4–3 on penalties by DR Congo after a 1–1 draw.
His absence was keenly felt as Galatasaray edged Gençlerbirliği 3–2 in the league before losing 1–0 to Union St. Gilloise in the Champions League. The club released new images on their X (Twitter) page showing Osimhen training with the ball, moving freely and completing routines that indicate he is nearing full fitness.
Aslanlarımız, Trendyol Süper Lig’in 14. haftasında Fenerbahçe ile yapacağı maçın hazırlıklarını bugün Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Tesisleri’nde yaptığı antrenmanla sürdürdü. #FBvGS pic.twitter.com/6Xwd5lTc2f
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) November 28, 2025
Galatasaray hold a slim one-point lead at the top of the Super Lig, heightening the significance of Saturday’s derby, traditionally one of Europe’s most intense fixtures. Whether Osimhen will be ready to start remains uncertain, but his involvement in any capacity would offer a psychological lift to Okan Buruk’s side.
Fenerbahçe arrive in strong form, unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions and the only team yet to lose in the league this season.
Their defensive organisation and improved attacking balance under Domenico Tedesco suggest a tougher challenge than last season, when Galatasaray went unbeaten in all three meetings between the sides.
Despite his injury troubles, Osimhen continues to enjoy an impressive start to the new season in Turkey. The former Napoli star has scored nine goals in 12 appearances across competitions. His exceptional aerial ability remains one of his sharpest assets, highlighted by his 2.58-metre leap for Napoli in 2023, the fifth-highest recorded jump in world football.
