Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is hoping to be back in action for Galatasaray’s Champions League tie against Sporting Lisbon next week after picking up a groin injury in Friday’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir.
The Nigerian forward, who was injured and was replaced in the 33rd minute, has batted off fears about his fitness and is looking to return against the Portuguese side if declared fit by the club’s medical and coaching staff, writes Sunday PUNCH.
“I don’t have anything. I didn’t want to jeopardise myself. I want to be on the pitch if our coach considers me fit to play against Sporting Lisbon’, Osimhen remarked.
Osimhen had put Galatasaray ahead with a well-placed shot into the top corner off a Lucas Torreira pass but had to go off with pain, replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Galatasaray later said that strain and soreness were observed in Osimhen’s right adductor muscle group and therapy had started.
The Turkish champions claimed that extensive tests, including an MRI scan, were being performed on Osimhen and his teammate Mario Lemina, and they are anticipated to be completed today.
The development had caused doubts regarding Osimhen’s availability for Galatasaray’s Champions League return but the striker’s comments have brought hope that he could recuperate in time for the Sporting Lisbon clash.
It would be a massive lift for Galatasaray if he was fit and they will be praying their main striker comes back soon and doesn’t spend a long time out injured.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will also assess Osimhen’s fitness ahead of Nigeria’s next 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau
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