Galatasaray and Super Eagles of Nigeria have suffered a significant setback following medical confirmation that star forward Victor Osimhen has sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain with internal bleeding while on international duty with Nigeria.
The 26-year-old was forced off at half-time during Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifiers Playoff Final defeat to DR Congo on Sunday after experiencing discomfort in his left leg.
Upon returning to Istanbul, he underwent an MRI at the club’s partner facility, Acıbadem Hospital, where the injury was officially diagnosed.
Galatasaray striker injured during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff defeat
Club Statement Confirms Severity
In an official announcement released on Wednesday, Galatasaray said:
“In the MRI examinations performed today at our sponsor hospital Acıbadem on our footballer Victor Osimhen, a moderate strain and bleeding were detected in his left posterior muscle group.”
“Treatment has begun immediately.”
The diagnosis corresponds to a Grade 2 hamstring tear, which typically requires 2–4 weeks of recovery.
However, experts warn that the presence of bleeding may prolong rehabilitation to 4–6 weeks depending on response to treatment.
Expected Absence and Key Matches to Miss
Internal club sources indicate that Osimhen is expected to miss at least 3–4 weeks, though the timeline could extend to six weeks if complications arise.
His absence comes at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray sitting top of the Süper Lig and pushing for Champions League qualification.
Osimhen is set to miss:
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The league clash against Gençlerbirliği
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The UEFA Champions League ties against Union Saint-Gilloise and AS Monaco
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Potentially the highly anticipated derby versus Fenerbahçe
Amid this, Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük reports growing optimism within the club’s technical team.
Head coach Okan Buruk and his staff believe there is a albeit slim chance that Osimhen could feature in the extended squad for the Fenerbahçe derby, even if only from the bench.
With Osimhen sidelined, Buruk will be forced to depend almost exclusively on Mauro Icardi for attacking duties.
Icardi has scored six goals in 11 league games, while Osimhen had been in electrifying form since joining permanently from Napoli in July, netting nine goals in 12 appearances.
Read More: “My Mum Fell Asleep and Never Woke Again” – Inside Victor Osimhen UEFA Documentary
Read More: Osimhen’s Half-Time Exit Sparks Super Eagles Downfall in DR Congo Shootout
Nigeria Also Monitoring the Situation Closely
The injury also raises concerns for the Super Eagles, who begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on December 23.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is hopeful the forward avoids setbacks that could threaten his availability, given Osimhen’s indispensable role in the national team setup.
Both Galatasaray and Nigeria will monitor the striker’s progress closely as the club commences an intensive rehabilitation programme.
Further updates on Osimhen’s condition are expected next week.
