Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Istanbul — Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has resumed first-team training after spending several weeks sidelined with a fractured forearm that required surgery, marking a significant step forward in his recovery as the Turkish champions enter a decisive phase of the season.
The Nigerian international suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash against Liverpool, when a collision in a high-intensity aerial duel left him with a fracture to his right forearm. Medical staff later confirmed that the injury required surgical intervention shortly after the incident, ruling him out of action for an extended period as he began rehabilitation. Reports at the time indicated an expected recovery timeline of around five to six weeks, depending on healing progress and response to treatment.
According to club updates and sources close to the team, Osimhen has now rejoined full-team training sessions after approximately three weeks of structured rehabilitation work that included gym conditioning, physiotherapy, and individual on-field drills. The club has emphasized that his return is being carefully managed through a “specialised programme” designed to ensure full recovery before he is exposed to competitive match intensity.
While Osimhen has returned to the pitch environment with teammates, Galatasaray’s medical staff are continuing to apply a phased reintegration plan. Early reports indicate that he initially participated in limited parts of training sessions before continuing individualized work under physiotherapists. This approach is intended to balance match readiness with injury protection, particularly given the physical demands placed on a forward of his style and role.
The injury itself occurred during a turbulent period for Galatasaray in European competition, with the same match against Liverpool also seeing other key players suffer setbacks. Osimhen’s absence was immediately felt in subsequent fixtures, as the team struggled at times to replicate his attacking output and physical presence in the final third. Prior to his injury, he had been central to the club’s domestic and continental campaigns, contributing consistently with goals and hold-up play that shaped Galatasaray’s attacking structure.
In the weeks following the surgery, the striker underwent a structured rehabilitation programme focused on reducing swelling, maintaining cardiovascular fitness, and gradually reintroducing upper-body movement. Club statements confirmed that he progressed from gym-based recovery to light running drills under supervision, before finally rejoining parts of team training sessions this week.
Head coach Okan Buruk has repeatedly stressed caution regarding Osimhen’s return, noting that while his recovery is progressing positively, the club will not rush him back into competitive action. Technical staff are reportedly evaluating his readiness on a day-to-day basis, with full match involvement expected to depend on how he responds to training intensity in the coming sessions.
The timing of his return is particularly significant for Galatasaray, who are entering the final stretch of the Turkish Süper Lig season amid a tight title race and ongoing European commitments. The club’s attacking options have been stretched in his absence, forcing tactical adjustments and increased reliance on alternative forwards to maintain scoring output.
Internally, Osimhen’s recovery has been treated as one of the most important medical cases of the season. Club sources indicate that his rehabilitation has been closely monitored not only by Galatasaray’s medical team but also in coordination with external specialists, given the importance of avoiding any recurrence of injury during a congested fixture period.
Despite the positive development, officials have not confirmed a specific date for his full competitive return. However, indications from within the club suggest that he is being prepared for gradual reintegration into matchday squads once he completes a full week of uninterrupted training without discomfort or setback.
Osimhen’s situation has also attracted attention beyond Turkey, with observers noting his importance both for Galatasaray’s domestic ambitions and his role with the Nigerian national team. His physical resilience and playing style, characterized by explosive acceleration and aggressive pressing, make careful load management essential during recovery phases of this nature.
Before his injury, Osimhen had been one of Galatasaray’s standout performers of the season, delivering consistent goal contributions across competitions and reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s most impactful forwards. His absence highlighted his influence on the team’s attacking rhythm, particularly in high-pressure matches where his ability to stretch defenses created space for teammates.
Medical experts working with elite athletes have consistently emphasized that forearm fractures, while not typically career-threatening, require strict adherence to rehabilitation protocols to ensure full functional recovery, especially for players involved in frequent aerial duels and physical contests.
For Galatasaray, the return of their leading striker represents a timely boost as they navigate a demanding schedule that could define their season. While optimism surrounds his progress, the club’s approach remains deliberately conservative, prioritizing long-term fitness over immediate availability.
As Osimhen continues to reintegrate into full training, attention will now shift to how quickly he can regain match sharpness and whether he will be eased back into competitive action off the bench or held back for a full return later in the schedule. For now, his presence on the training ground is being viewed as a major step forward in what has been a carefully managed recovery process.
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