Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has handed Galatasaray an injury concern ahead of their UEFA Champions League opener against Sporting CP after being forced off during Friday’s Turkish Super Lig clash with İstanbul Başakşehir.

Osimhen started the encounter but could not complete the first half, leaving the pitch in the 33rd minute after appearing to suffer an injury.

The Nigeria international initially remained on the pitch after an earlier incident but subsequently signalled to the technical area that he could not continue.

Reports from Turkey indicate that Osimhen experienced discomfort around his groin after a challenge with Christopher Operi before later holding the area following a run behind the Başakşehir defence. He received treatment on the touchline before being replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz.  

The timing of the setback will raise concerns within the Galatasaray camp, with the Turkish champions scheduled to begin their Champions League campaign against Sporting CP at the Estádio José Alvalade on Wednesday, September 9.

The Sporting CP fixture is Galatasaray’s opening match in the Champions League league phase, making Osimhen’s condition particularly important to head coach Okan Buruk as preparations begin for the European assignment. Sporting have confirmed the September 9 meeting in Lisbon.  

Osimhen had, however, already made his mark against Başakşehir before the injury.

The 27-year-old put Galatasaray ahead in the 17th minute with a powerful effort that initially appeared not to have crossed the line. A VAR review subsequently confirmed that the ball had crossed the goal line, giving Galatasaray the lead.  

The goal continued Osimhen’s impressive start to the new campaign. Reports put his league tally at six goals after four matches, underlining his importance to Galatasaray’s attacking plans.  

His early departure, therefore, provides an immediate concern for both club and player, particularly with the Champions League opener only days away.

There was no immediate official confirmation on the severity of Osimhen’s injury or whether he will be fit to face Sporting CP.

Galatasaray will now await further medical assessment before determining the striker’s availability for the Lisbon encounter.

For the Super Eagles, the development will also be monitored closely as Osimhen remains one of Nigeria’s most important attacking players.

The immediate focus, however, is on the striker’s recovery and whether he can overcome the setback in time to lead Galatasaray’s attack against Sporting CP on September 9.