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Galatasaray faces a nervous wait regarding the availability of star forward Victor Osimhen as they prepare for their decisive UEFA Champions League playoff second leg against Juventus in Turin. The 27-year-old sat out Saturday’s surprising 2-0 domestic defeat to Konyaspor, a result that ended Galatasaray’s 10-match unbeaten run and tightened the Turkish SĂĽper Lig title race. According to a medical update on the club’s official website, Osimhen spent Sunday undergoing personalized gym recovery sessions to address minor knee inflammation.
The Nigerian international proved indispensable during the first leg in Istanbul, where he tormented the Juventus defense to provide two assists in a dominant 5-2 victory. His absence against Konyaspor underscored his value to Okan Buruk’s side, as the “Yellow and Reds” struggled to convert 62% possession into goals without their primary focal point. Medical staff described the decision to rest him over the weekend as a strategic precaution, prioritizing his fitness for Wednesday’s high-stakes return fixture at the Allianz Stadium.
“The Nigeria international spent Sunday in the gym, according to information made available on the club’s official website.”
Osimhen’s European form this season has been nothing short of elite, with the striker tallying six goals and two assists in just seven Champions League appearances. Despite the commanding three-goal cushion, Galatasaray remains wary of a Juventus fightback, especially after the Italian giants suffered their own domestic setback with a 2-0 loss to Como. Buruk expects to make a late decision on Osimhen’s inclusion in the starting lineup, though Mauro Icardi stands ready to lead the line if the Super Eagles captain fails his final fitness test.
The “Lion” travels to Italy on Tuesday knowing that avoiding a three-goal defeat will secure their passage to the Round of 16. While Sacha Boey and Noa Lang remain in peak condition after their first-leg heroics, the presence of Osimhen remains the psychological edge Galatasaray desires. As the Turkish champions aim to reach the knockout stages for the first time in three seasons, the recovery of their €75m-rated talisman remains the central talking point in Istanbul.
