Galatasaray have been handed a significant boost with the return of Victor Osimhen to full training ahead of Monday night’s highly anticipated Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe.
The Nigerian forward had been sidelined for 11 days after sustaining a hamstring strain while on international duty with the Super Eagles.
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He picked up the injury during the final of the African World Cup qualifying play-off in Morocco, where Nigeria drew 1–1 with DR Congo before losing 4–3 on penalties.
Osimhen’s absence was evident as Galatasaray navigated their last two fixtures, a 3–2 Super Lig win over Gençlerbirliği and a narrow 1–0 Champions League defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise.
Fresh images shared by the club on X showed the 26-year-old training freely with the ball, signalling he is on course for involvement at Rams Park when Galatasaray host their arch-rivals on Monday.
The top-of-the-table encounter carries huge implications for the title race, with Galatasaray holding a slim one-point advantage over Fenerbahçe.
Beyond the standings, the fierce rivalry and intense atmosphere make the Istanbul derby one of the most charged fixtures in world football.
Osimhen’s return offers a major boost for Okan Buruk’s side, given the striker’s importance to the team’s recent success.
However, his inclusion in the starting lineup remains uncertain, as he will undergo a late fitness assessment before the coach finalises his match plans.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe arrive in formidable form, unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions and the only side yet to suffer defeat in the league this season.
Their consistency and attacking rhythm set the stage for a stern challenge, contrasting last season when Galatasaray went unbeaten in all three meetings between the two sides.
