Super Eagles’ star, Victor Osimhen has been discharged from the hospital and is now focused on rehabilitation after undergoing successful surgery on a fractured right forearm, with Galatasaray and Nigeria fans cautiously optimistic about an earlier-than-expected return.
The 27-year-old had the procedure at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital in Istanbul last Tuesday, with the operation lasting approximately three hours.
Club doctor Op. Dr. Yener İnce led the surgical team after scans confirmed the fracture sustained during a UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Liverpool at Anfield, where Osimhen collided mid-air with defender Ibrahima Konaté. Showing characteristic toughness, he played on until halftime before being substituted.
While he was initially expected to be discharged the day after surgery, Osimhen personally requested an extended stay to ensure more thorough monitoring and give himself the best possible conditions for a smooth recovery. A security guard was placed outside his room during that period, with access restricted even to close family members as the focus remained squarely on his recuperation.
Turkish journalist Haluk Yürekli reported that Osimhen told club officials, “I don’t want to be discharged; I want my care to continue here so I can return sooner.”
The decision has been well received within the club, with Galatasaray officials viewing it as a further sign of the striker’s commitment and professionalism.
Initial assessments had pointed to a six-to-eight week absence, but more recent reports suggest a recovery window of four to six weeks, raising hopes he could feature sooner than anticipated. Osimhen himself suggested earlier that he could be fit within four weeks, with an additional two weeks needed to regain match sharpness.
The primary target for his return is the Istanbul derby against fierce rivals Fenerbahçe on April 26, with some reports indicating that if his recovery continues without setbacks, he could even be ready to start that fixture. He is expected to wear a protective splint on his injured arm upon returning.
However, the club is expected to exercise caution and will not risk a relapse by rushing him back.
The timing matters greatly for Galatasaray’s title hopes. The Turkish giants currently lead the Super Lig with 64 points, four ahead of second-placed Fenerbahçe, and have a game in hand.
Before the injury, Osimhen had been in outstanding form, scoring 19 goals and contributing seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, including eye-catching performances in Europe. Konaté has since reached out to apologise for the collision that caused the setback.
Credit: punchng.com
