Victor Osimhen has handed Galatasaray a timely lift ahead of Wednesday’s decisive UEFA Champions League clash after returning to full training.
The Nigeria international had been sidelined with a knee concern and missed the reigning Turkish champions’ surprise 2-0 league defeat at Konyaspor. His absence had raised serious doubts about his availability for the crucial European tie.
However, those fears eased on Monday evening when the striker trained with the squad at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities. Observers noted that he looked sharp throughout the session and showed no visible discomfort, offering encouragement to the technical crew and supporters ahead of the trip.
A club source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed concerns about the striker’s fitness and expressed confidence that Osimhen will be ready as head coach Okan Buruk pushes for progression.
“Victor Osimhen missed our league match against Konyaspor over the weekend purely as a precaution, and the issue is not serious. We expect him to be in good condition for our upcoming Champions League fixture,” the source told Flashscore.
“He is one of our most important players, and we will do everything possible to ensure he is fit and available for the clash against Juventus because of the quality and presence he brings to the team.
“Although the result from the first leg gives us confidence, we will approach this game with full focus and the mindset that we must fight hard for victory.”
Shortly after the training session, the club also confirmed the positive update through their official channels.
“Galatasaray continued preparations for the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 play-off against Juventus with a training session at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities,” the statement read.
“The session began with warm-up drills involving the ball before the players moved into 5-on-1 passing exercises in four groups. Under the guidance of head coach Okan Buruk, the workout ended with a practice match.
“Victor Osimhen trained fully with the squad as the team worked with a complete group of players.”
Galatasaray are expected to conclude preparations with a final session scheduled for 13:00 on Tuesday afternoon as attention turns fully to the decisive encounter.
🎥 Bugünkü antrenmanımızdan görüntüler. #JUVEvGS #UCL pic.twitter.com/5olljVQ0S3
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) February 23, 2026
The Rams Park side head into the fixture with confidence following a dramatic comeback victory in the first leg. In one of the competition’s most entertaining matches, they defeated 10-man Juventus in a seven-goal thriller.
Despite falling 2-1 behind at half-time, the Turkish champions produced an outstanding second-half display, scoring four goals to take control of the tie.
Gabriel Sara had put the hosts ahead after 15 minutes with a curling effort, but Juventus responded through Teun Koopmeiners, who scored twice in quick succession. He first reacted fastest to a rebound before adding a clinical first-time finish to turn the game around.
Galatasaray returned with intensity after the break. Noa Lang equalised from close range before Davinson Sanchez powered home a header on the hour mark to restore the lead. Juventus suffered a further setback when Juan Cabal received a second yellow card, allowing the hosts to dominate.
Lang added his second with a composed finish, while Sacha Boey completed the scoring to cap a commanding performance.
Although Osimhen did not get on the scoresheet, his influence was clear. He completed the full 90 minutes, registered three shots with one on target, had 30 touches, completed 18 passes and won three aerial duels. His physical presence and movement stretched the Juventus defence and created space for teammates to exploit.
If Galatasaray progress on aggregate, they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in March’s Round of 16.
