Victor Osimhen made an instant impression on his return from a month-long injury absence, providing an assist as Galatasaray defeated Kasimpasa 3-1 in an Istanbul derby.

The Nigeria striker had been out of action since sustaining an injury in an earlier Istanbul derby against Istanbul Basaksehir. He entered the pitch in the 77th minute, replacing Deniz Gul, and needed little time to influence the game.

Osimhen set up Mario Lemina for Galatasaray's third goal deep in stoppage time, putting the result firmly beyond doubt and capping a strong performance from the hosts.

Six goals and counting

The 27-year-old has now contributed six goals and three assists across five Turkish Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray this season — a return that underlines why the club have relied so heavily on him since his arrival.

The victory lifted Galatasaray to the summit of the Turkish Super Lig table, adding extra significance to what could have been a routine derby win.

Eyes on Barcelona

Osimhen's timely comeback also carries major implications in European football. Galatasaray face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League next Tuesday, and the Nigerian forward is expected to be named in the starting lineup for that high-profile encounter.

His return will come as a significant boost to a Galatasaray side that will need their most dangerous attacker at full fitness if they are to trouble one of Europe's elite clubs.