Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has revealed that he is working to return Victor Osimhen to peak physical condition through a special programme, as the striker steps up his recovery from an arm injury.

After being sidelined for a month, the striker resumed training last week and travelled with the team for their recent away game against Gençlerbirliği S.K.

With a four-point lead in the Turkish Super Lig, the club are aiming to have Osimhen fully fit in time for their potential title decider against Fenerbahçe S.K. on Sunday.

According to reports in Turkey, the striker will have completed at least eight days of training before the derby, which forms part of Buruk’s programme to restore him to peak fitness.

“The reason Victor Osimhen did not play in the away match against Gençlerbirliği was that Fenerbahçe had dropped points. Osimhen will have participated in eight training sessions with the team by the time of the Fenerbahçe derby. He will not get playing time in the Turkish Cup match against Gençlerbirliği. He is expected to start directly in the starting eleven in the Fenerbahçe match,” journalist Ali Naci Küçük said.

There are also reports that he could be included in the squad for Wednesday’s Turkish Cup quarter-final clash against Gençlerbirliği, but the priority remains getting him fully fit for Sunday’s derby.

Another Turkish journalist, Nevzat Dindar, added: “Victor Osimhen was not risked before the derby despite being brought to Ankara. Although he has started training with the team, he still has physical deficiencies, and a special programme will be applied. The goal is to have him ready for the Fenerbahçe derby.

“Okan Buruk is considering fielding Osimhen in the starting lineup for the Fenerbahçe match with extra training efforts.”

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on a permanent €75m deal last summer, has made a strong impact, registering 12 goals and four assists in 19 league appearances, while also scoring seven goals in the Champions League.

He currently trails Mauro Icardi, who leads the club’s scoring chart with 13 goals in 27 matches.