Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray player
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Barcelona have received a crucial warning ahead of their Champions League meeting with Galatasaray, with Victor Osimhen returning to action just days before the two sides face each other next week.
The Nigerian striker made his comeback on Friday during Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Kasimpasa.
Introduced in the 77th minute, Osimhen wasted little time making an impact, providing the assist for his team’s third goal and offering an encouraging sign ahead of the European fixture.
His return changes the picture for Barcelona, who had been preparing to face a Galatasaray side without one of its most influential attacking players.
Osimhen return gives Galatasaray a timely boost
Osimhen had been sidelined since sustaining a right groin injury during Galatasaray’s match against Basaksehir on matchday four of the Super Lig.
The club diagnosed a moderate-to-advanced strain, and his recovery took longer than initially expected.
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray player
Victor Osimhen made a strong return after injury. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old subsequently missed matches against Sporting CP, Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.
His absence also forced Nigeria to withdraw him from the squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Galatasaray felt the impact of losing their leading striker. Before the injury, Osimhen had registered six goals and two assists across his first four appearances, giving the Turkish side a potent attacking outlet.
Without him, their forward line lost some of its threat, and the defeat against Trabzonspor before the international break highlighted the challenge of replacing his contribution.
Barcelona must prepare for Galatasaray with Osimhen available
Osimhen’s brief appearance against Kasimpasa does not automatically confirm that he will be ready to start against Barcelona, but his assist suggests he is already capable of contributing on the pitch again.
For Hansi Flick, his potential involvement creates another challenge to consider when preparing Barcelona’s defensive approach.
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray player
Osimhen was linked to Barcelona in the summer. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Osimhen’s movement, physical presence and finishing make him a different proposition from the alternatives Galatasaray used during his absence.
Hence, Barcelona will need to monitor his condition before Tuesday’s encounter, particularly given the time he has spent recovering from the groin problem.
Osimhen could revive Barcelona transfer regret
The Nigerian’s return also revives memories of Barcelona’s summer transfer plans.
Osimhen was reportedly among the names considered by the Catalan club after their pursuit of Julian Alvarez failed to produce a deal.
Although that interest did not lead to a move, his performances in Turkey have shown why he attracted attention.
Now, rather than potentially wearing a Barcelona shirt, Osimhen could become one of the biggest obstacles in their Champions League campaign.
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