Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen is reportedly in contention to play in the highly-anticipated Istanbul derby against Besiktas on Saturday, despite concerns that he suffered a knock during the international break.
Osimhen was on duty for Nigeria during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, scoring three goals in both games. However, he was substituted five minutes to the end of the game against Zimbabwe in Uyo after picking up a knock.
The in-form striker has been crucial to Galatasaray’s run this season, and Okan Buruk’s side are exploring the possibility of having him fit for their clash against Besiktas on Saturday.
According to Galatasaray insider Yakup Çınar, via Haber Sariki Mizi, Osimhen is in contention to feature on Saturday night, although the final decision rests on the club’s medical board.
“I have received information that Osimhen and Davinson Sanchez are fit to play in the BeÅŸiktaÅŸ-Galatasaray derby. However, the final decision will be made by the medical board. Yunus Akgün is also ready to play in the derby,” Çınar revealed.
Buruk, alongside the rest of the Gala fans, will be hoping Osimhen will be fully fit so they can claim the bragging rights over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on Saturday.
Osimhen has been in impressive form this season, scoring 20 goals and providing four assists in 22 league games. He currently leads the Turkish Super Lïg scoring chart and has been instrumental in Galatasaray’s charge for a 25th league title.
Galatasaray got Osimhen on loan from Napoli at the start of the season, and he has repaid the faith shown in him by the Turkish giants. The team is currently top of the Turkish Super Lïg, 27 points above Besiktas who are in fourth place.
The Istanbul derby is always a highly-anticipated fixture, and the presence of Osimhen would add an extra layer of excitement to the match. However, the final decision on his fitness will be made by the medical board, and Gala fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that their star striker will be fit to play.