Osimhen returns as Galatasaray gear up for derby

Boluwatife Kehinde
‎
‎After suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is aiming to make his comeback in the crucial Süper Lig matchday 14 showdown against fierce rivals Fenerbahçe on Monday.
‎
‎The club announced two weeks ago that the Nigerian forward had begun treatment following scans on the injury he sustained during Nigeria’s loss to DR Congo in the final round of the 2026 World Cup African qualifiers.
‎
‎Turkish journalist Mehmet Özcan reported that Osimhen has assured his teammates he is willing to push himself for the derby.
‎
‎“I understand how significant the Fenerbahçe derby is and what it represents for our supporters. I felt that passion last season. This club brought me here for big occasions like this. If I have to take risks, I will step onto the pitch and give everything,” he reportedly said, according to Forza Cimbom.
‎
‎The striker has been absent from Galatasaray’s squad for their previous two matches, so it is still uncertain whether he will be cleared to play on derby day.
‎
‎During his loan spell with the Istanbul giants last season, Osimhen faced Fenerbahçe three times, scoring twice in a 2–1 Turkish Cup victory and providing an assist in a 3–1 league win last September.
‎
‎The 26-year-old has notched three goals in nine league appearances this season, with a total of nine goals in 12 matches across all competitions.
‎
‎Galatasaray currently sit atop the Süper Lig table with 32 points, holding a narrow one-point lead over their arch-rivals.