Osimhen training return gives Galatasaray a boost as the striker steps up his recovery ahead of Friday’s Kasımpaşa clash and Barcelona test

Victor Osimhen has stepped up his recovery from a groin injury after returning to partial team training with Galatasaray ahead of Friday’s Turkish Süper Lig clash against Kasımpaşa.

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The Nigeria international joined his Galatasaray teammates for part of Wednesday’s session at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities as head coach Okan Buruk continued preparations for the Week 7 encounter.

Osimhen, who has been sidelined with the injury, took part in the opening stages of the workout before switching to an individual programme designed by the club’s medical staff.

His gradual involvement represents an encouraging development for the Turkish champions, although Galatasaray are expected to manage his return carefully rather than rush him back into competitive action.

The training session began with a dynamic warm-up before the squad moved into 8v2 passing exercises across three groups.

The players subsequently worked on possession drills before finishing the main session with a small-sided game.

Osimhen’s return to partial team activity comes as Galatasaray weigh their options ahead of a busy period that includes both domestic and European commitments.

The 27-year-old is being assessed with Friday’s home fixture against Kasımpaşa at Rams Park in mind, although his availability for the match will depend on his fitness and the medical team’s assessment.

Galatasaray will have little time to recover after the league encounter, with another major test awaiting them in the UEFA Champions League.

The Turkish champions are scheduled to host Barcelona four days after the Kasımpaşa match, making Osimhen’s fitness particularly important as Buruk’s side enters a demanding stretch of fixtures.

The Nigerian striker has been an influential figure for Galatasaray, and his return to the training group provides a timely boost for a team seeking to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competition.

Osimhen was not the only player monitored during Wednesday’s session.

Midfielder Mario Lemina and goalkeeper Günay Güvenç completed the entire training programme with the team, while defenders Wilfried Singo and Roland Sallai continued their respective rehabilitation programmes away from the main group.

Galatasaray are expected to continue their preparations with another training session at 5pm on Wednesday as the club fine-tunes its plans for the Kasımpaşa encounter.

For Osimhen, the immediate objective remains a full return to fitness. His partial participation is an important step, but the final decision on whether he can feature against Kasımpaşa will rest on how he responds to the increased workload.

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A successful recovery could put the striker in contention for the coming fixtures, including the high-profile Champions League meeting with Barcelona.