Galatasaray Plan Osimhen Return Against Aston Villa After Knee Injury

Galatasaray are reportedly targeting their UEFA Champions League clash against Aston Villa later this month for the return of injured Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

The Turkish champions are planning to leave Osimhen out of their upcoming Turkish Super Lig fixture against Samsunspor as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Galatasaray insider Emre Kaplan disclosed the club’s recovery plan, adding that the Nigerian international could be available for the Aston Villa encounter if his rehabilitation progresses as expected.

Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s Champions League match against Stuttgart. He has since undergone successful surgery and is currently recovering.

His injury will also rule him out of Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania.

Kaplan, speaking about the striker’s recovery, was quoted by Winner Galatasaray via LiberoTV as saying: “Galatasaray’s plan is for Osimhen to miss the Samsunspor match but return to action for the Aston Villa match.”

The insider also provided an update on AC Milan forward Rafael Leão, suggesting that his injury could keep him out for a longer period.

“Leão’s situation looks a little more serious than Osimhen’s. It looks like it will take four to five weeks. He will probably struggle to make the Beşiktaş derby,” Kaplan reportedly said.

Osimhen’s potential return against Aston Villa would be a boost for Galatasaray, although his availability will depend on his recovery and medical assessment.