Champion League
Okan Buruk provides update on Victor Osimhen’s injury ahead of Frankfurt clash
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has offered clarity on Victor Osimhen’s injury status, confirming that the Nigerian striker remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a knee problem.
Osimhen, the Turkish champions’ record signing, picked up the injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles during a World Cup qualifier. Despite hopes that he might regain fitness in time for Thursday’s UEFA Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt, he has been omitted from the travelling squad.
“Victor Osimhen has been injured in the national team, you know. We were hoping to train Osimhen for this match,” Buruk told reporters. “It was important that he could not play with the pain. He tried in training for the last two days, but reports from him made him unable to play.”
The 26-year-old had undergone light training earlier in the week, raising optimism of a late inclusion, but medical staff advised against rushing him back into action.
Galatasaray will now have to rely on Mauro Icardi to spearhead the attack in Frankfurt, with Osimhen expected to continue working toward full fitness.
Attention will shift to domestic duties after the European outing, with a Super Lig clash against Konyaspor on the horizon. Club officials remain hopeful that Osimhen will be ready to return by then, offering a timely boost as the Istanbul side looks to balance domestic and continental ambitions.
