Victor Osimhen has moved to calm concerns over his fitness after limping off during Galatasaray's 3-2 victory against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Istanbul derby on Friday. The Nigerian forward assured journalists he was unaware of the full extent of the injury, saying only, "I don't know," as he left the stadium.
Osimhen had given Galatasaray the lead in the 16th minute before being substituted off just 17 minutes later, sparking immediate alarm among supporters and the Turkish football media. Despite losing their star striker, the Istanbul side battled through to claim all three points and maintain their position at the top of the Turkish Super League after four matches, as noted by TRT Spor.
Osimhen's Update and Early Reassurance
A video circulated on X by Erol Evcen showed the striker leaving the stadium on his own two feet, without any visible support, a sight that provided some early reassurance that the problem may not be serious. As he moved through the mixed zone, journalists pressed him for details on the injury. His response was brief: "I don't know," accompanied by a wave in their direction.
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk said the club would conduct a full assessment and that supporters should expect an official statement once MRI scan results are available. The timing of the injury is particularly sensitive for Galatasaray, with the club set to face Sporting CP in their UEFA Champions League opener in five days.
Potential Impact on Galatasaray's Champions League Clash
Turkish media have suggested Osimhen is likely to miss that fixture, though there is cautious optimism that he could return for the following league match if the scan results come back positive. The club's medical team is expected to provide a clearer picture after the MRI, which will determine the exact nature of the injury and the recovery timeline.
Legit.ng previously reported that a Turkish doctor estimated the possible recovery timeline for Osimhen after his groin injury against Basaksehir. Dr Gurkan Kubilay shared an image explaining the possible injury and said that the best-case scenario is between 1-2 weeks, but the worst-case scenario is a ligament tear, which could take 3-4 months.
Next Steps for Osimhen and Galatasaray
The club's official statement, once MRI results are available, will be crucial for fans and analysts alike, as it will clarify whether Osimhen can participate in the Champions League opener. Until then, the Nigerian international remains under observation, with his fitness status a key talking point ahead of Galatasaray's European campaign.
