Buruk Eyes Fenerbahçe Derby for Osimhen Return as Galatasaray Play It Safe

Galatasaray are being smart about this. Victor Osimhen is back running — but his coach is in no hurry.

The Nigerian striker has been out three weeks with a hand injury picked up during the UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool. Surgery followed. An extended hospital stay to speed things up. And now, finally, personalised training on the pitch again — with a protective brace expected when he returns to full action.

Coach Okan Buruk was measured after Galatasaray’s 3-1 win over Göztepe when asked about Osimhen’s return. “He started running,” Buruk confirmed. “I think it will be difficult for this weekend, but for the Gençlerbirliği match the following week — if conditions are suitable — he could be in the squad.”

Then came the key line: “But we might skip that and use him in the Fenerbahçe match.”

April 26. The Istanbul derby. That is the real target.

Galatasaray know what is at stake. Their Süper Lig lead has been cut to a single point. Osimhen missed five matches through injury this season, and the team suffered every time. Getting him back half-fit against Gençlerbirliği solves nothing. Getting him back fully sharp for Fenerbahçe could decide the title.

Buruk is picking the right game to bring his man back.