Galatasaray's vice president calls the knee problem chronic, as Nigeria prepare without their key attacking option.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has had successful knee surgery, the Turkish club has confirmed, and that rules him out of Nigeria's two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tanzania. The first is in Uyo on Friday. The second is in Zanzibar on Tuesday, 17 November.
On November 3, Osimhen picked up a left knee problem during the Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart, which finished 2-0. Although he stayed on for the entire game, later medical tests revealed an issue requiring an operation. An MRI scan after the game found a free fragment in the affected area. The procedure took place in Istanbul at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, performed by Yener Ince, the club's doctor.
Galatasaray confirmed a sprain in his left knee. Speaking to GZT, the club's vice president, Mehmet Cibara, rejected claims that the pitch had played a part. "There's no such thing as injuries happening off the pitch." He called Osimhen's injury chronic, said he would not say more because of the international break, and gave no further medical details.
Fanatik has reported that Osimhen could be fit for Galatasaray's Super Lig home game against Samsunspor on November 21, but that the club are not willing to rush him back for it. Legit.ng adds that the Champions League game against Aston Villa at home on November 24 is shaping up to be the target date for his comeback.
Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has left Osimhen out of the squad for both games, and he has not played for Nigeria since the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco in January. Nigeria go into the double-header after a 2-1 win over Madagascar and a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle said: "The spirit in camp is high, and everyone is focused on achieving victory in both matches." Without Osimhen, Nigeria will look to Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare, who plays for Ajax in the Netherlands, for goals against the Taifa Stars. Moses Simon is also expected to take on more responsibility.
Osimhen has missed several games this season, including important European and domestic fixtures. Galatasaray's medical staff will check his condition daily, and any decision on when he features again will depend on how his recovery progresses in the coming weeks.
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