Victor Osimhen has given Galatasaray an encouraging fitness boost in Istanbul on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, after the Nigeria international joined part of the club’s training session at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities as he continues his recovery from a right adductor injury.
The 27-year-old striker worked with his teammates during part of the session before switching to an individual programme prepared for him by Galatasaray’s medical staff.
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The measured approach under head coach Okan Buruk suggests that the Turkish champions remain keen to avoid rushing Osimhen back into competitive action.
Galatasaray’s official training report said the session began with a dynamic warm-up before the squad moved into 8v2 passing exercises in three groups, possession work and a small-sided game.
While Osimhen participated in part of the collective work, Mario Lemina and goalkeeper Günay Güvenç completed the full session with the team.
Wilfried Singo and Roland Sallai continued their rehabilitation programmes separately.
Osimhen’s return to partial team training comes just three days before Galatasaray host Kasımpaşa in their seventh Süper Lig fixture of the season. The Turkish Football Federation lists the match for Friday, October 9, at 20:00 local time
The forward’s immediate involvement against Kasımpaşa, however, remains a decision for Buruk and Galatasaray’s medical team.
Recent reports from Turkish football outlets have suggested that a limited appearance could be used to rebuild Osimhen’s match fitness, with some reports putting the possible workload at around 30 minutes.
That caution is understandable given the nature of the injury.
Osimhen was forced off in the 33rd minute of Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4 after suffering discomfort in his right groin.
Following medical examinations, Galatasaray reported an advanced-moderate strain involving bleeding in the right adductor muscle group.
The injury subsequently ruled Osimhen out of the club’s Champions League opener against Sporting CP and league matches against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.
At the time, Galatasaray said: “advanced-moderate level strain (bleeding and strain) has been detected in the right adductor (groin) muscle group” following MRI and further examinations.
The setback interrupted a remarkable start to the 2026/27 campaign for Osimhen.
Before the injury, the striker had scored six goals and supplied two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances, establishing himself as one of Galatasaray’s most influential attacking players.
His absence has coincided with a difficult spell for the champions. Galatasaray have a 4-1-1 league record and 13 points from six matches, with their most recent league outing ending in a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Trabzonspor.
Osimhen was also unable to help Galatasaray in their Champions League opener, when Sporting CP secured a 3-1 victory in Lisbon on September 9.
The result leaves the Istanbul club preparing for a crucial response when Barcelona visit on Tuesday, October 13.
The Barcelona fixture adds another layer to Galatasaray’s careful management of Osimhen.
UEFA has confirmed that the Spanish giants will visit Istanbul for the second matchday of the Champions League league phase, just four days after Galatasaray’s meeting with Kasımpaşa.
For Buruk, the priority is therefore not simply getting Osimhen back on the pitch, but ensuring that the striker is sufficiently prepared for the demanding run of fixtures ahead.
A controlled return against Kasımpaşa could provide valuable competitive minutes without placing unnecessary pressure on his recovery.
Osimhen’s latest training involvement is consequently a positive sign, but it is not yet confirmation that he will start Friday’s match.
His progress through the remaining sessions will offer a clearer indication of whether his return will come against Kasımpaşa or be delayed until the much-anticipated Barcelona encounter.
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For Galatasaray, the sight of their prolific Nigerian forward back among his teammates is nevertheless a welcome development at a pivotal stage of the season.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.


























