Galatasaray are anxiously waiting for the availability of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen ahead of their UEFA Champions League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.
The 25-year-old forward, who made the switch to the Turkish giants on a massive summer transfer, sustained an injury while playing for Nigeria in international duty last week. He returned to Istanbul immediately for treatment and was left out of Galatasaray’s 2-0 weekend victory against Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
Head coach Okan Buruk informed the club’s official site that Osimhen still has the pain, but underscored that the medical staff work day and night to make him ready for the crucial European match.
“Osimhen’s situation will be evaluated in the next few days. We are optimistic he will play; however, he is now in pain,” Buruk stated following the weekend win.
Osimhen’s likely absence would be a massive blow to Galatasaray, who signed him to bolster their firepower for local and European matches. Through his pace, strength, and ruthless goal-scoring, the Super Eagles star has already established himself as one of Europe’s bestmost strikers following his goal-laden spell at Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in helping them win the Serie A title.
His presence is particularly significant as Galatasaray begin Champions League life on the road against Eintracht Frankfurt, a side known for tough play and solid defense. Buruk’s men will be looking to record an early statement victory in what promises to be a tough group, and Osimhen’s presence might prove the difference.
The recovery of the striker will be watched closely in the next few days, with final fitness tests likely to be conducted before the team leaves for Germany.
