Despite initial assurances that Victor Osimhen would be fully fit for the derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe next Sunday, the striker is still racing against time to be ready for the crucial fixture, according to the latest reports from Turkey, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
- +Osimhen still doubtful for Fenerbahçe derby
After being sidelined for about a month with an arm injury, Osimhen returned to team training last week ahead of the club’s title run-in.
After being sidelined for about a month with an arm injury, Osimhen returned to team training last week ahead of the club’s title run-in.
The Super Eagles forward travelled with the squad to Ankara for their clash against Gençlerbirliği at the Eryaman Stadium but was ultimately not included in the matchday squad as Galatasaray strengthened their title push ahead of the derby.
Galatasaray took control early in the Matchday 30 fixture, with Mauro Icardi opening the scoring in the second minute before Yunus Akgün doubled the lead in the 35th minute.
Gençlerbirliği reduced the deficit through Niang in the 67th minute, but the visitors held on to secure a crucial win that moved them to 71 points, four clear at the top of the table, while their opponents remained on 25 points.
Explaining Osimhen’s omission before the match, head coach Okan Buruk said the striker had taken part in portions of training but struggled with fatigue and was not deemed ready for competitive action.
He noted that the player had not fully recovered from recent physical exertion and required careful management to avoid further complications.
“Osimhen participated in certain parts of the training sessions.
He experienced fatigue after these sessions,” Buruk was quoted as saying by gzt.com, adding that the coaching staff opted for a cautious approach.
Ahead of next Sunday’s game, Turkish journalist Kutlu Akpınar reports that the striker still has work to do to reach full fitness.
“We expect Osimhen to get some playing time in the derby, but he won’t be 100 per cent ready. He’ll continue extra work until match day, and his situation will become clearer on Friday,” he said via Forza Cimbom.
Following Saturday’s win, Buruk also offered reassurance on the striker’s recovery timeline, suggesting a gradual return to action in upcoming fixtures.
“We will see how many minutes he can play in the next cup match,” he added.
