Galatasaray Coach Explains Why Victor Osimhen Has Not Played Since Injury With Super Eagles

• Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has opened up on why Victor Osimhen has not returned to action
• Osimhen limped off injured during Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium
• The striker has missed crucial games for Galatasaray and is uncertain when he will start playing again

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has provided the latest update on Victor Osimhen’s injury and why the striker has yet to return to action.

Osimhen limped off injured in action for the Super Eagles of Nigeria during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Rwanda in Uyo.

He immediately flew to Istanbul, despite the NFF’s request to accompany the team and provide moral support for the crucial tie against South Africa.

Galatasaray assessed him and confirmed he suffered a sprain in the ankle with bleeding, and his recovery will determine his availability for action.

He missed the 2-0 win over Eyupspor and was said to be targeting the UEFA Champions League squad against Eintracht Frankfurt, but was left out of the travelling squad.

The Nigerian forward also sat out the 3-1 win over Konyaspor, and at this point, it is uncertain whether he will be fit to face Alanyaspor on Friday.

As noted by galatasaray.org, he took part in light team training towards the match, but did not complete the session as he was excused later on.

Buruk explains Osimhen’s absence

The match against Alanyaspor could be the opportunity to be part of the squad, while the Champions League match against Liverpool could be when he returns to the pitch.

Buruk, speaking in an interview as quoted by Milliyet, has explained why the Super Eagles forward has not returned to action for the Lions.

“He took part in part of the training session. He has minor aches and pains. But if he can tolerate them and play, we hope he’ll be with the team in our next match,” Buruk said.

“We’ll try him out in training. He played for 10 minutes yesterday. His pain is still there. We expect him to be in the squad for the Alanyaspor match. We expect him to be on the pitch for the Liverpool match.”

Gala needs Osimhen’s presence and goals against Liverpool after their embarrassing 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in the opening group match.

The September international break is on the horizon, with Eric Chelle expected to announce his squad in the coming days for the games against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

Osimhen is not expected to be part of the squad even if he returns to action for Galatasaray before the list is announced, even though the matches are very important for Nigeria’s World Cup bid.

Victor Ikpeba speaks about Osimhen’s injury

Legit.ng reported that Victor Ikpeba spoke about Osimhen’s injury and believes that the team can cope without him for the remaining matches.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare is expected to fill the big boots left by the former Napoli striker in the games against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

Source: Legit.ng