Galatasaray supporters are set to witness Victor Osimhen’s long-awaited return to competitive action this weekend but only in a limited capacity, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian striker, who rejoined the Turkish champions this summer in a record €75m transfer from Napoli after a sensational loan spell last season, has been cleared for a maximum of 25 minutes against Fatih Karagümrük on Friday.
Osimhen lit up the Süper Lig last term with 37 goals and eight assists in all competitions, making him the club’s most prolific forward in recent memory. However, he missed all of Galatasaray’s pre-season programme and sat out their opening-day victory over Gaziantep.
Club doctors have advised head coach Okan Buruk to ease the 25-year-old back into action, recommending a gradual build-up of match minutes to avoid any risk of injury. Buruk is expected to introduce him only in the closing stages of the contest, with the decision influenced by Barış Alper Yılmaz’s blistering start to the campaign.
Yılmaz contributed two goals and an assist in the first match which leaves coach Buruk with no immediate need to throw Osimhen into the starting line-up.
Victor Osimhen pic.twitter.com/htOdAG8puv
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Meanwhile, Galatasaray are also preparing for the return of Argentine forward Mauro Icardi, who has recovered fully from injury and is scheduled to make his first appearance after the upcoming international break.
Friday’s match will mark Osimhen’s first league appearance since his permanent return to Istanbul, and the home crowd is expected to give him a hero’s welcome.
Victor Osimhen will be available for a maximum of 25 minutes against Fatih Karagümrük.