Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has returned to Istanbul for detailed medical assessment on the arm injury he suffered during the club’s UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

The Nigeria international was forced off at half-time after a heavy challenge from Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté. Although Osimhen initially completed the first half, scans at the stadium raised fears of a fracture, prompting Galatasaray’s medical team to withdraw him from the game.

Subsequent examinations at a local hospital confirmed a fracture in his right forearm, and the limb was immediately placed in a cast. The forward has now reported back to Istanbul, where specialists are conducting further scans to determine the extent of the damage and whether surgery will be required.

Reports in Turkey indicate that Galatasaray are bracing for a potential layoff of three to five months, depending on how the fracture heals. Club sources suggest that if the bone knits satisfactorily in the cast, Osimhen could avoid surgery and possibly return sooner than initially feared. However, if the healing process is not straightforward, an operation would be the likely next step.

Galatasaray issued a statement explaining that the decision on surgery will follow a new round of evaluations by their medical staff and external specialists. The club is acutely aware of the risk of rushing the striker back, given his importance to their domestic campaign.

Osimhen has been a central figure in Galatasaray’s season, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. His contributions have powered the Istanbul giants to the top of the Super Lig and kept them competitive in cup competitions. In Europe, he added seven goals and three assists in 10 Champions League outings before Galatasaray’s elimination.

The injury has already ruled him out of Nigeria’s upcoming friendly matches against Jordan and Iran in Turkey, a blow for the Super Eagles as they continue to shape their squad for future competitive fixtures.

Galatasaray will now monitor Osimhen’s progress closely, balancing their urgent need for his goals with the long-term priority of ensuring a full and stable recovery from the fracture.