Galatasaray welcome Osimhen back ahead of Barcelona clash

Galatasaray have regained Victor Osimhen ahead of next Tuesday’s meeting with Barcelona in Istanbul in the Champions League. The forward has partially rejoined group training after being sidelined for several weeks with an adductor injury. His return is welcome news for the club, though it does not guarantee he will play against Barça.

Osimhen took part in some of the training session before continuing his work individually. Galatasaray are handling his recovery carefully and still have to decide whether he will get a few minutes against Kasımpaşa on Friday evening or be saved for the Barcelona match. The Kasımpaşa fixture is also the club’s final opportunity to assess its players before the European contest.

The decision matters all the more because Galatasaray did not begin their Champions League campaign with a win, losing 1-3 to Sporting Lisbon. Barcelona, meanwhile, will play their Liga match against Getafe on Saturday, after Galatasaray’s Friday fixture. Osimhen’s gradual return therefore leaves open the possibility of an appearance on Tuesday, but his availability will depend on the club’s decision and how his comeback progresses.