Galatasaray Hope to Have Victor Osimhen Ready for Fenerbahçe Derby Despite Hamstring Strain

Galatasaray are working to get Victor Osimhen fit in time for the club’s high-profile intercontinental derby against Fenerbahçe on Monday, December 1, after the striker was diagnosed with a moderate strain in his left hamstring.

The club confirmed on Wednesday that Osimhen has started treatment following a scan for the injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria. He was substituted at halftime during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup African play-off final defeat to DR Congo on Sunday to prevent further aggravation of the injury.

“Our player Victor Osimhen’s MRI at Acıbadem Hospital showed a moderate strain and bleeding in his left hamstring. Treatment has already begun,” Galatasaray stated.

Although the club has not specified a recovery timeline, Turkish reports indicate that Osimhen is undergoing intensive therapy, potentially speeding up his return compared to the standard three-to-four-week recovery period. He is expected to miss Galatasaray’s upcoming league game against Gençlerbirliği on Saturday and is also doubtful for the Champions League clash against Union SG next Tuesday.

Turkish journalist Ali Küçük reported via Forza Cimbom that the club is targeting Osimhen’s return for the Fenerbahçe derby. “The technical and medical staff are taking a calculated risk to include him in the squad. He’s unlikely to play in the Gençlerbirliği and USG games but could at least be on the bench against Fenerbahçe,” Küçük said.

Another journalist, Yakup Çınar, added, “Medical staff say Osimhen needs 6–7 days’ rest before being ready. He could feature in the USG match, but the main target is the Fenerbahçe derby.”

TRT Spor noted that while his inclusion in the USG match squad is unlikely, the club’s primary focus is the derby. Haluk Yürekli also reported that final decisions will be made closer to the matches.

Osimhen, 27, previously missed three games in September after returning from international duty but has still scored nine goals in 12 appearances for Galatasaray this season despite injury setbacks.