Victor Osimhen marked his return from a month-long injury absence with an assist as 10-man Galatasaray scored twice in stoppage time to defeat Kasımpasa 3-1 on Friday, giving the Turkish champions a boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League meeting with Barcelona.
The Nigeria international came off the bench in the 77th minute and set up Mario Lemina's stoppage-time goal, marking his first competitive appearance since suffering a groin injury Sept. 4.
Osimhen's return provides a timely boost for the Turkish champions ahead of Tuesday's home game against Barcelona, although it remains unclear whether the 27-year-old striker is fit enough to start.
Galatasaray had managed his recovery cautiously, after medical examinations revealed a strain and bleeding in his right adductor muscle group. He resumed partial team training last week before being named among the substitutes against Kasimpasa.
The hosts led through Abdülkerim Bardakçi's first-half goal but were reduced to 10 men when Lucas Torreira was sent off in the 63rd minute. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalized five minutes later, leaving Galatasaray facing the prospect of dropping points.
Osimhen replaced Deniz Gül alongside Leroy Sané's introduction in the 77th minute and made an immediate impact, setting up a chance for the German winger before having an effort saved himself.
Baris Alper Yilmaz restored Galatasaray's lead in the 90th minute before Osimhen combined with Lemina for the Gabon international to seal victory six minutes into stoppage time. The win moved Galatasaray provisionally to the top of the Turkish Super Lig with 16 points from seven matches.
Osimhen's return will be welcomed by Galatasaray, who had been without their leading striker during a difficult period that included a league defeat to Trabzonspor and a 3-1 loss to Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League opener.
The Nigerian had scored six goals in four appearances before his season was interrupted by the injury.
His absence also affected Nigeria's preparations for their recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where the Super Eagles struggled to edge a gutsy Madagascar, then suffered defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
Osimhen's return to competitive football will also be welcomed by Nigeria ahead of next month's international window, when Chelle will hope to have his first-choice striker available again for back to back games against Tanzania.
Additionally, the forward can resume his interrupted pursuit of Rashidi Yekini's national-team scoring record, with just two goals needed to equal the record, and three to go ahead of the legendary striker.