Galatasaray vice president Mehmet Cibara has addressed the injury concerns surrounding Victor Osimhen, describing the Nigerian striker’s latest setback as chronic while dismissing suggestions that it was sustained off the pitch, Footynaija.com reports.
The 27-year-old is currently recovering from knee surgery after picking up an injury during Galatasaray’s 2-0 Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart.
Speaking about the Super Eagles forward’s condition, Cibara insisted that there was no connection between Osimhen’s injury and suggestions that it happened away from the playing field.
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“There’s no such thing as injuries happening off the court. It has nothing to do with it. Leao’s injury is completely different, Osimhen’s injury is chronic,” he said, per GZT Zpor.
The Galatasaray official declined to provide further details about the striker’s condition, explaining that the club would not say more while the international break is ongoing.
Osimhen underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital on November 7 after medical examinations revealed a loose fragment inside his left knee.
Club doctor Yener İnce performed the operation, with the Turkish champions confirming that the Nigerian would begin rehabilitation following the procedure.
The former Napoli striker has since been working towards a return to action, with Galatasaray reportedly targeting their Champions League meeting with Aston Villa on November 24 for his comeback.
However, his recovery will be assessed carefully, as the Istanbul giants are unwilling to rush their leading striker back before he is fully fit.
Osimhen’s absence has also affected Nigeria, with the forward missing the Super Eagles upcoming 2027 AFCON qualification double-header against Tanzania. The talismanic striker also missed Nigeria’s opening two fixtures back in September due to injury.
