Fitness update: Galatasaray coach says he expects Osimhen to play against Liverpool

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has hinted at Victor Osimhen’s possible return, confirming that the Nigerian striker is being lined up for the UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool.

Osimhen picked up a chin injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles during their 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo.

The 26-year-old has since been sidelined, missing four matches for both club and country.

He sat out Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, as well as Galatasaray’s league games against Konyaspor and Eyüpspor. He was also absent in the 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

Providing an update on his condition after the victory over Konyaspor, Buruk explained that although Osimhen has returned to training, he is still experiencing some discomfort.

"He took part in part of the training session," Buruk said as reported by Milliyet. 

"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.

However, the Galatasaray manager is counting on his return to action in the crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool.

"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," he revealed.

Osimhen, who completed a permanent switch to the Yellow-Reds this summer, is a key part of the team, netting twice in his first two starts of the season.

He also played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic double triumph last campaign during his loan spell in Istanbul.

His comeback offers a huge lift for Galatasaray’s manager, who is eager to make a strong impression in Europe after last season’s early UEFA Europa League exit.

Adeyemi Adewale

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