Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray have struggled to extend their advantage at the top of the table following the injury setback to Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has been sidelined since March 18 after sustaining an arm injury during a UEFA Champions League play-off clash against Liverpool, just before the international break.
In his absence, Galatasaray have played three league matches, managing only one win and dropping valuable points that could have seen them open a wider gap at the summit. The team currently sit on 68 points, narrowly ahead of Fenerbahçe with 66 points, while Trabzonspor remain in contention with 64 points.
Across all competitions this season, Osimhen has missed 11 matches due to injury, with the club recording a mixed run of results, including four defeats and two draws, highlighting his influence on the team’s overall performance.
The 27-year-old has been a key figure in Galatasaray’s campaign, and his recent absence has raised concerns among supporters as the title race intensifies. Pressure has mounted on head coach Okan Buruk to reintegrate the striker as soon as possible.
Encouragingly, Osimhen has resumed light training and is expected to be included in the squad for the upcoming fixture against Gençlerbirliği, with a potential full return anticipated ahead of the crucial derby against Fenerbahçe.
Following a 1-1 draw with Kocaelispor, Buruk expressed confidence in the team’s title prospects, indicating that Osimhen could feature in the coming matches.
Since completing a €75 million move to Galatasaray last summer, Osimhen has delivered an impressive return, scoring 12 league goals and providing four assists in 19 appearances, in addition to seven goals in the Champions League.
He trails teammate Mauro Icardi, who currently leads the club’s scoring chart with 13 league goals.
With five matches remaining in the season, Osimhen’s anticipated return could prove decisive as Galatasaray push to secure the league title.
