Victor Osimhen’s injury has raised fresh concerns about the striker’s fitness, with fears mounting that the hamstring problem he sustained may sideline him for several weeks.
The Nigerian forward, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli, suffered the injury during a Super Lig clash against Kasimpasa last weekend.
Osimhen, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring abilities, has tried to downplay the severity of the injury. However, recent developments suggest the situation might be more serious than initially indicated.
Galatasaray announced on Tuesday that the 24-year-old has already begun treatment for the injury, sparking doubts over his availability for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, in which Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Libya.
A Hamstring Injury That Could Sideline Osimhen for Weeks
Osimhen injured his left hamstring during the weekend match at Kasimpasa, leaving fans and pundits worried about his fitness. Though he played down the seriousness of the injury, the club’s official communication has cast a cloud of uncertainty over his recovery timeline.
The Galatasaray medical team swiftly moved to provide treatment, but there is no definitive word on how long the striker will be sidelined.
What is clear is that Osimhen will not feature in Galatasaray’s UEFA Europa League clash against Latvian side Rigas FS on Thursday, with the club opting to not risk him in the group stage fixture.
Galatasaray’s decision to rest the star striker is seen as a precautionary measure, but it is also reflective of the growing concern over the injury’s potential long-term impact.
If Osimhen is forced to spend several weeks on the sidelines, he could miss key matches for both club and country, including the crucial AFCON qualifiers next month.
Major Doubt for Nigeria’s AFCON Campaign
Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers would be a significant blow to the Super Eagles’ hopes of securing a spot in the 2025 tournament.
As one of the team’s top scorers and key players, his contributions on the pitch are invaluable. Nigeria is scheduled to face Libya in back-to-back qualifiers, and Osimhen’s fitness will play a critical role in determining their chances of success.
While the extent of the injury remains unclear, there are growing fears that Osimhen may not be fit in time for the Super Eagles’ international duty.
His potential absence would force Nigeria coach José Peseiro to reconfigure his attacking options, potentially relying on the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi to fill the void.
Galatasaray Prioritizes Recovery
For Galatasaray, Osimhen’s recovery is now a top priority. Having signed him on loan from Napoli during the summer transfer window, the Turkish club views the Nigerian as a key asset in their campaign for domestic and European success this season.
His absence from Thursday’s Europa League fixture underscores the club’s cautious approach in ensuring the striker returns to full fitness without rushing the process.
Despite Osimhen’s personal reassurances that the injury is minor, the medical evaluations have raised red flags. Hamstring injuries are notorious for being tricky to manage, often requiring weeks of rehabilitation to prevent re-injury. Galatasaray’s decision to rest Osimhen indicates a more cautious path forward.
Osimhen’s Future in Limbo
As the situation unfolds, both Galatasaray and Nigeria will be keeping a close eye on Osimhen’s recovery process. His fitness could have a significant impact on the fortunes of both club and country in the coming weeks.
While fans remain hopeful for a speedy return, the looming uncertainty surrounding his injury is a cause for concern, and Osimhen’s involvement in key upcoming matches now hangs in the balance.
With the 2025 AFCON qualifiers just around the corner, the Super Eagles’ management will be anxiously awaiting updates on their star striker’s condition.
