Galatasaray have confirmed that Victor Osimhen is back in group training after missing three weeks of action due to a fractured forearm, with the Turkish club outlining a carefully managed return-to-fitness plan for the Nigeria international.
The injury was sustained during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 fixture against Liverpool, which took place before the most recent international break. Following the procedure to address the fracture, Osimhen spent approximately one week completing individual gym sessions and personalised drills before being reintegrated with the first-team squad.
In an official club update, Galatasaray detailed the parameters of his involvement: “Victor Osimhen trained with the team during the first part of the session and continued his work according to a special program prepared for him, accompanied by physiotherapists on the field and in the gym.”
Training images released by the club showed the former Napoli forward participating in sessions while wearing a cast on the injured arm. Galatasaray have confirmed he will be required to use a custom-designed brace during competitive matches. According to Turkish media reports, the protective equipment is constructed from a material described as four times stronger than steel while remaining exceptionally lightweight — a precaution the club is treating as non-negotiable given the potential consequences of a re-injury.
The situation draws a parallel to the protective mask Osimhen has worn since suffering a facial fracture approximately three years ago during his time at Napoli, underscoring the striker’s familiarity with managing serious physical setbacks while remaining available for selection.
Galatasaray’s urgency in restoring Osimhen to full match fitness is directly tied to the state of the Super Lig title race. The club’s primary target is to have him available for the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe on April 26, a fixture widely regarded as potentially decisive in determining the destination of this season’s championship. With the two Istanbul rivals competing at the top of the table, the timing of Osimhen’s recovery carries significant implications beyond individual match selection.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli ahead of the 2024-25 season following a prolonged transfer saga that saw the striker publicly linked with several European clubs, including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. His arrival in Istanbul was met with considerable expectation, and his performances in both domestic and continental competition have reinforced his status as one of Africa’s premier forwards.
The 26-year-old’s return to training will be monitored closely by the club’s medical staff, and Galatasaray have not confirmed a specific date for his return to competitive action. The coming days will determine whether he is fit enough to feature — even in a limited capacity — before the high-stakes derby at the end of April.
