Galatasaray are reportedly considering their UEFA Champions League home fixture against Aston Villa on November 24 as the target date for Victor Osimhen's return from knee surgery.
Turkish publication Fanatik reports that the club are reluctant to rush the Nigerian striker back into action for their Süper Lig meeting with Samsunspor on November 21, despite the possibility that he could be available for the game.
Instead, Galatasaray are said to view the Champions League encounter against Villa three days later as a more suitable opportunity for his comeback.
The Turkish champions have not announced a definite recovery timeline, maintaining that their medical department is assessing the forward's progress on a daily basis.
Osimhen sustained a left knee injury during Galatasaray's 2-0 Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart on November 3.
Medical examinations reportedly revealed a loose fragment inside the joint, requiring surgery carried out by club doctor Yener ?nce at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital in Istanbul.
Galatasaray vice-president Mehmet Cibara has described the injury as a chronic problem, while dismissing suggestions that the club's playing surface contributed to the setback.
“Osimhen’s injury is chronic,” he told GZT.
The injury has already ruled the 27-year-old out of Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with the Super Eagles facing the East Africans in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Zanzibar for Tuesday's return fixture.
Galatasaray have also had to cope without their leading striker in domestic action, recording a 4-3 victory over Amedspor.
Before his injury, Osimhen had enjoyed an impressive start to the Süper Lig season, registering nine goals and three assists in eight appearances.
His scoring record placed him level with fellow Nigerian forward Gift Orban at the top of the league's goalscoring chart.
Galatasaray will be hoping the striker makes sufficient progress to return against Aston Villa, although his availability will ultimately depend on the outcome of his rehabilitation and the medical team's assessment.