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. Without him Galatasaray in trouble –Turkish pundit
Victor Osimhen, who was injured during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda and missed the subsequent game against Eyüpspor, is reportedly not in serious condition.
According to Galatasaray’s medical team, the star striker is now in good shape and is expected to start in the UEFA Champions League match against Frankfurt.
Turkish outlet, Sabah reports that Osimhen will be on the field for Galatasaray’s Champions League opening game against Frankfurt and will be included in the starting eleven.
Osimhen has expressed to manager Okan Buruk his strong desire to participate in the Frankfurt match. This season, Osimhen has made three appearances for Galatasaray and has scored two goals.
Galatasaray will kick off its Champions League campaign with an introductory match against the German team at the Frankfurt Arena on Thursday.
Turkish football pundit, Mehmet Demirkol has underlined Osimhen’s importance to Galatasaray, stressing that the team faces ‘serious problems’ when the Nigerian striker is unavailable.
Speaking on the Socrates Magazine YouTube channel, Demirkol explained that Galatasaray’s system becomes vulnerable without the 26-year-old forward leading the line alongside Barış Alper Yılmaz.
“When Galatasaray doesn’t have both Osimhen and Barış Alper, it’s a problem. Serious problems arise during starts and pressures. You need to play something else,” Demirkol said as quoted by habersarikirmizi.
Osimhen has already made a strong impact this season for Galatasaray, scoring twice in his first three Süper Lig appearances.
However, his availability has recently been cast into doubt after he picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with Nigeria.
Medical tests revealed a moderate ligament sprain, with the club confirming that treatment has begun in Istanbul.
Head coach Okan Buruk admitted that Osimhen remains in pain and his participation in Galatasaray’s upcoming fixtures, including their UEFA Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt, will depend on his recovery.
The uncertainty has heightened concerns about how the Turkish champions will cope without their talismanic striker.
Osimhen’s pace, pressing ability and goalscoring instincts have quickly made him indispensable to Buruk’s plans.
Without him, Galatasaray may need to adapt their approach, potentially shifting emphasis onto Mauro Icardi or finding alternative ways to build attacks.
