Galatasaray president reveals Victor Osimhen return date

Victor Osimhen sustained a hamstring injury during the first half of Nigeria’s agonising penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African final of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Subsequent tests carried out upon his return to Istanbul revealed a moderate strain with intramuscular bleeding in the back of his left thigh, forcing him out of the preceding fixtures against Gençlerbirliği and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Speaking to Ekol TV ahead of the Intercontinental Derby against Fenerbahçe on Monday, Ozbek indicated that Osimhen is expected to be available for selection.

"Our players returning from injury will be in the squad for the Fenerbahce derby."

"Osimhen should be in the squad on Monday, and he will probably be because that's the goal in our discussions so far. Our other players returning from injury will most likely be in the squad. We will field an excellent team."

Osimhen is central to Eric Chelle’s plans for Nigeria at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Under FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), players must be released by their clubs no later than the Monday morning of the week preceding the tournament, meaning Osimhen is expected to report for Super Eagles duty from December 8th.

However, it is anticipated that Galatasaray will seek to delay his release by at least one day as they face Monaco in a crucial Champions League match on December 9th.