Galatasaray Hope Victor Osimhen Will Be Fit to Face Barcelona

Barcelona could face a major attacking threat when they travel to Istanbul to take on Galatasaray in the Champions League, with Victor Osimhen edging closer to a return.

After the first international break of the 2026/27 season, club football is back, with Barcelona first facing Getafe in La Liga before turning their attention to Europe.

The Catalan giants will travel to Turkey on October 13 for their second Champions League league-phase fixture, and Galatasaray are hoping their star striker will be available.

Osimhen Back in Training

Osimhen has been sidelined since September 4 after suffering an adductor injury, but the Nigerian forward has now returned to training.

His comeback is a major boost for Galatasaray, although the Turkish champions are determined not to rush him back.

Galatasaray club doctor Yener Ince revealed that Osimhen suffered a significant muscle injury and explained that the club is carefully monitoring his recovery.

“Osimhen’s treatment is going very well. He had a serious haemorrhage in the muscle group. He suffered an injury that cannot be underestimated.”

Ince added that Osimhen has already completed part of a team training session but stressed that the club will make decisions based on his medical results.

“We do not want to take any risks. We will make a decision based on the results of the tests we have carried out.”

The message from Galatasaray is clear: Osimhen's long-term fitness is more important than rushing him back for one particular game.

However, with Barcelona coming to Istanbul next week, the striker has a clear target to work towards.

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Barcelona Could Face Osimhen

Whether Osimhen will be ready to start against Barcelona remains uncertain.

The forward was not selected by Nigeria during the latest international break, giving him additional time to focus on his recovery.

He also only participated in part of Wednesday's training session, meaning Galatasaray's medical staff still have several assessments to complete before determining his match fitness.

For Barcelona, Osimhen's potential return would represent a significant challenge.

The Nigerian striker possesses the pace, physical strength and finishing ability to punish defensive mistakes, particularly in transition. Hansi Flick's side will therefore need to be prepared for a very different Galatasaray attack if Osimhen is cleared to play.

Galatasaray Receive More Fitness Boosts

Osimhen is not the only player returning to the Galatasaray squad.

Okan Buruk can also welcome back Ivory Coast right-back Wilfried Singo and Gabon midfielder Mario Lemina as the Turkish champions prepare for a demanding period.

Galatasaray have collected 13 points from their opening six league matches and currently sit second in the Turkish top flight.

Their Champions League campaign, however, began badly.

They suffered a 3-1 defeat against Sporting CP in their opening league-phase match, with Osimhen unavailable for that encounter.

Barcelona, meanwhile, made the perfect start to their European campaign by defeating Feyenoord 5-1.

That result puts even more importance on Galatasaray's upcoming clash with Flick's side.

The Turkish giants will hope Osimhen can return in time, but Barcelona will be watching his recovery closely as they prepare for what could be a difficult night in Istanbul.