Will Victor Osimhen play? Galatasaray make dicey Champions League decision over talisman’s availability

Galatasaray will open their Champions League campaign against Eintracht Frankfurt without Victor Osimhen after the Super Eagles striker failed to recover from an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old was hurt while representing Nigeria in the World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and immediately returned to Istanbul for medical tests. Scans revealed a ligament strain with internal bleeding, and although he underwent an intensive programme of therapy and was willing to take painkilling injections in order to participate, he was left out of the squad that travelled to Germany.

Manager Okan Buruk must now look elsewhere for goals in a match where Osimhen’s dynamism and ability to unsettle defenders would have been crucial. Barış Alper and Mauro Icardi are expected to lead the line in his absence.

Can Galatasaray cope in the absence of ‘key man’ Osimhen?

Osimhen has quickly become Galatasaray’s most decisive figure. Since his arrival, he has scored 39 times and assisted eight in 44 competitive matches, including a prolific league campaign last season where he delivered 26 goals in just 28 outings. 

His pressing, direct running and knack for scoring in big moments have made him the heartbeat of the Yellow-Reds’ attack.This, along with the eye-watering record transfer fee and wage package involved in his purchase, is why missing him on Europe’s grandest stage feels especially damaging. 

Osimhen is no stranger to the Champions League spotlight. He first appeared in the competition with Lille during the 2019/20 season, scoring against Chelsea and Valencia. Later, at Napoli, he added to that tally with performances that underlined his pedigree at the highest level.

Now 26, the striker has featured in 17 Champions League matches across three clubs, with a return of nine goals. 

Galatasaray had hoped his experience would spearhead their campaign. Instead, they must face Frankfurt without the man built for nights like these.