Osimhen's Galatasaray return delayed after knee surgery in Istanbul
Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük reports Victor Osimhen's comeback for Galatasaray could take longer than expected after knee surgery last week. The Nigerian striker got injured during Galatasaray's 2-0 Champions League win over Stuttgart. Surgery by Galatasaray medical board member Yener İnce was successful, but Küçük warns the recovery timeline has shifted.
Osimhen was discharged but chose to remain in an Istanbul hospital for immediate rehab rather than return home to his newborn and extended household. The club hasn't released an official return date.
This matters for two reasons: Galatasaray's title and European hopes rely heavily on Osimhen's 11 goals in 12 appearances this season. For Nigeria, any extended absence raises Super Eagles concerns ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers resuming next March.
Küçük's track record on Galatasaray medical updates is reliable, but the club's silence on a concrete timeline means speculation fills the gap. Osimhen's decision to stay hospitalized suggests he's prioritizing full recovery over rushing back.
Will the Super Eagles medical team coordinate with Galatasaray on his rehab plan, or will club-country tension emerge if Nigeria needs him for March qualifiers?