Victor Osimhen’s injury confirmed: How Galatasaray can cope without their star striker

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has suffered a muscle strain and faces up to three weeks on the sidelines, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The 27-year-old Nigerian marksman sustained the injury while in action for Galatasaray during Friday’s Turkish Süper Lig fixture against Istanbul Başakşehir.

Following a series of medical tests, the club confirmed that Osimhen will be out of action for up to three weeks due to a moderate-to-advanced strain in his right groin.

​Consequently, he is set to miss Galatasaray’s next three matches against Sporting CP, Kocaelispor, and Trabzonspor. He will also be sidelined for the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

​Head coach Okan Buruk must now devise a plan to cope in Osimhen’s absence. Below, Afrik-Foot examines how the Turkish champions can navigate this spell without their star forward.

Baris Alper Yilmaz Is The First-choice Option

The most likely option to lead the line in Osimhen’s absence is Turkish attacker Baris Alper Yilmaz.

He replaced Osimhen against Basaksehir and has already shown that he can operate effectively as a centre-forward when needed.

That versatility could now become particularly important. Turkish reports indicate that Buruk is considering Baris as the replacement for Osimhen against Sporting, with Yunus Akgün and Leroy Sané continuing in the wide positions.

Baris would not replicate Osimhen’s movement or finishing, but he can compensate with his physicality, pace, and ability to attack space.

Deniz Gül Is Also Available

The other obvious option is Deniz Gül, who joined Galatasaray from Porto just days before Osimhen’s injury.

The 22-year-old was included in Galatasaray’s Champions League squad alongside Osimhen, Baris and the club’s other attacking options. Gül’s timing could not be more significant.

He arrived in Istanbul expecting to compete for minutes behind Osimhen. Instead, his first major opportunity could come immediately against Sporting in one of the biggest matches of Galatasaray’s season.

Throwing a new signing into a Champions League away game is a risk, but the circumstances leave Buruk with limited alternatives.

Can Galatasaray Win Without Victor Osimhen?

Victor Osimhen is undeniably Galatasaray’s best player, and it is clear that he raises the team’s level whenever he is on the pitch. So, they will likely struggled.

Leroy Sane has looks way off his former best. While Yunus Akgun and Yilmaz are not consistent enough.

They just have to play three games without their big talisman, and if they want to keep winning, the other attackers need to raise their game. Perhaps, the arrival of Rafael will give them something different in the attack.

They will be hoping that things go their way before the international break.