UCL: Galatasaray’s Buruk provides Osimhen injury update ahead of Liverpool clash

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has offered a fitness update on Victor Osimhen as the Turkish champions gear up for their UEFA Champions League showdown with Liverpool.

The Nigerian striker, sidelined with a knee injury sustained on international duty against South Africa, made his long-awaited return in Galatasaray’s weekend victory over Alanyaspor.

He came on in the 84th minute for Barış Alper Yılmaz, marking his first appearance since the setback.

“We wanted to play him for 10 minutes today. We wanted him to experience the pain. Sometimes there’s pain, and playing through it is important. He’s not 100% physically ready,” Buruk told reporters post-match.

The coach revealed Osimhen has had limited training since returning from international duty, but stressed the cameo was part of a deliberate plan to accelerate his return.

“We’ll assess his pain and physical condition before thinking about the next match,” he added.

Buruk admitted the tactical switch carried risks but underlined the need to reintegrate the striker: “I specifically brought Osimhen on so he could play 10 minutes, have a chance to play the next match, and contribute to us.”

Osimhen’s return is regarded as a major boost for Galatasaray ahead of Wednesday’s high-stakes clash with Liverpool, where his presence could prove pivotal in their European campaign.