Galatasaray vice president Mehmet Cibara has described Victor Osimhen’s knee injury as a chronic problem. He also dismissed suggestions that the club’s home pitch contributed to the Nigerian striker’s latest setback, Bold Sports reports.
Osimhen has scored nine goals in eight Turkish Super Lig appearances this season. He also registered two goals against Fenerbahçe on October 26. The Nigerian followed that performance with another goal in Galatasaray’s 4-0 victory over Konyaspor. His scoring record makes his absence a significant concern for the Turkish champions.
Cibara addresses Osimhen’s injury
The 27-year-old sustained a knee injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League meeting with VfB Stuttgart on November 3.
He completed the entire match as the Turkish side secured a 2-0 victory. However, subsequent medical examinations revealed a problem that required surgical intervention.
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Osimhen has since undergone successful knee surgery. The development also ruled him out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.
Addressing concerns about the striker’s condition, Cibara rejected suggestions that the playing surface contributed to the injury.
According to GZT, the Galatasaray vice president said:
“There’s no such thing as injuries happening off the pitch.
“It has nothing to do with it. Leao’s injury is completely different, Osimhen’s injury is chronic. I won’t say more about it because we’re in the international break.”
His comments suggest that Osimhen’s latest setback involves an existing fitness concern. However, Cibara declined to provide further medical details.
Galatasaray face attacking concerns
Osimhen’s fitness has already affected Galatasaray’s campaign this season.
The Nigerian forward has missed several fixtures because of fitness problems. His absence has included important European and domestic assignments.
The former African Footballer of the Year remains one of the club’s leading attacking figures. His nine league goals underline the importance of his contribution.
Meanwhile, his latest injury has also affected Nigeria’s preparations for the November international window.
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle omitted the striker from his squad for the two meetings with Tanzania. Osimhen has not represented Nigeria since the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco in January.
Cibara’s comments have therefore added another dimension to discussions surrounding the striker’s fitness.
For Galatasaray, the priority remains Osimhen’s recovery. The Turkish champions will hope their leading forward can regain full fitness before returning to competitive action.
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