Victor Osimhen gave Galatasaray an early lead but left the pitch injured before his team survived a dramatic finish to beat Istanbul Basaksehir 3-2 in the Turkish Super Lig, Footynaija reports.
The Nigeria international scored in the 16th minute at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium. But his night ended soon after he appeared to pick up a groin problem.
Osimhen went straight to the bench after the injury. Baris Alper Yilmaz replaced him in the 33rd minute. The 27-year-old striker was later asked if the injury was serious. He replied that he did not know.
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk then offered a more positive assessment after the match. Buruk said he did not expect Osimhen to be out for a long time. He also said the striker would have further checks before a clearer decision is made.
“Groin injuries have a shorter recovery period compared to others,” Buruk said. “Hopefully, he will return as soon as possible. We have a Sporting match in five days. Hopefully, our players will be ready for that match.”
The timing will be important for Galatasaray. The club faces Sporting CP away in the Champions League on 9 September, just five days after the Basaksehir match. The game is Galatasaray’s opening match in the 2026-27 league phase.
Galatasaray had to work hard to protect their lead after Osimhen’s departure. Lucas Torreira put them 2-1 ahead in the 71st minute after Eldor Shomurodov had equalised from the penalty spot. Davinson Sanchez then scored an own goal to make it 2-2. Gabriel Sara settled the match with a 90th-minute winner.
The victory moved Galatasaray to 10 points after four league matches and extended their winning run to three games.
Osimhen’s injury checks will now decide whether he can play against Sporting or needs more time to recover.
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