Galatasaray announces the health status of Viktor Eswemeni after his injury against Istanbul Basaksehir!
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a groin problem during Galatasaray's thrilling 3-2 triumph over Istanbul Başakşehir on Friday night.
Early Blow Despite Dream Start
The Nigerian frontman had opened the scoring in style, latching onto Lucas Torreira's incisive pass before arrowing a crisp finish into the top corner. But what began as a night of celebration quickly turned sour when the forward pulled up with discomfort in the first half. Despite his best efforts to continue, Osimhen was forced to make way in the 33rd minute, with Barış Alper Yılmaz introduced in his place.
Galatasaray moved swiftly to provide clarity on the situation, releasing an official update on Saturday morning following preliminary tests. The club confirmed that both Osimhen and teammate Mario Lemina had reported pain in the right adductor muscle group during the encounter, with treatment already underway.
In a statement posted across their social media platforms, the Turkish giants revealed: *"Advanced examinations, including MRI scans, will be completed tomorrow for Victor Osimhen and Mario Lemina, who sustained strain in the right groin area during yesterday's league fixture."*
Double Blow for Club and Country
The timing of the setback could hardly be more problematic. Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk is already plotting for a crucial Champions League showdown against Sporting Lisbon, and losing his main striking weapon would be a significant dent to those plans.
Equally concerned will be Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle, who is counting on Osimhen's firepower for Nigeria's upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clashes against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. With both fixtures looming, the striker's availability now hangs in the balance.
For his part, Osimhen is determined to beat the clock. Further diagnostic tests will shed more light on the severity of the damage, but the former Napoli star is already focused on adhering to his rehabilitation programme, hopeful of making a swift return to the pitch and easing the mounting concerns on both sides of the Mediterranean.