Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is on course to make his return for Galatasaray in their Turkish Super Lig clash with Kasimpasa on October 9, following weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury.

According to Turkish sports daily Fanatik, the 27-year-old is expected to complete his rehabilitation in time for the fixture, having missed Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen was initially included in Eric Chelle’s squad but withdrew after Galatasaray’s medical team advised against international duty as he continued his recovery. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.

Galatasaray have described Osimhen’s injury as a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the right groin area.

The injury has ruled him out of the club’s Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon, as well as Super Lig fixtures against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor. Galatasaray lost two of those three matches, with Osimhen’s absence leaving a notable void in attack.

Turkish football pundit Sinan Engin also highlighted the Nigerian’s absence following Galatasaray’s defeat to Sporting.

The Kasimpasa encounter at RAMS Park could therefore mark Osimhen’s first appearance for Galatasaray since the injury. It will also provide an opportunity to regain match sharpness ahead of the club’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona four days later at the same venue.

Before the setback, Osimhen had made an explosive start to the season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four Super Lig appearances.

With Galatasaray searching for consistency in his absence, coach Okan Buruk has deployed Baris Alper Yilmaz through the middle, while Rafael Leao has also struggled to reproduce Osimhen’s impact.

His return will now be closely watched as Galatasaray prepare to welcome back their prolific Nigerian forward.