Galatasaray Sweat Over Osimhen’s Fitness Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has revealed that the club will assess Victor Osimhen’s fitness before deciding on his involvement in their Champions League showdown against Liverpool at Rams Park next Tuesday.

The Nigerian striker made a late cameo in Friday night’s narrow 1-0 victory over Alanyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig, having missed the club’s previous three games due to an ankle injury sustained on international duty.

Despite his return, Buruk admitted that Osimhen is still struggling with discomfort.

“We will closely evaluate his pain and physical condition before deciding on his involvement in the next match,” the coach said, as quoted by Turkish outlet Reformhaber.

Osimhen’s potential absence would be a huge blow for Galatasaray, who see the 2023 African Footballer of the Year as their talismanic figure. His presence alone tends to lift the team’s attacking play, and against a side like Liverpool—relentless, quick, and unforgiving—every ounce of firepower counts.

Opinion:
Galatasaray find themselves in a tricky position. On one hand, they desperately need Osimhen against Liverpool, a game that could shape their Champions League campaign. On the other hand, rushing him back too soon could aggravate the injury and sideline him for longer. It’s the eternal dilemma of managers balancing ambition with prudence.

For Osimhen, whose game thrives on explosive movement and fearless duels, playing through pain is a gamble that might backfire. Yet, as we’ve seen countless times, big players often step up in big games, even when not fully fit. If he makes the lineup, his mere presence will put Liverpool’s backline on edge.

Whether Osimhen starts or not, one thing is clear: this tie is shaping up to be a thrilling clash of resilience versus momentum. And Galatasaray fans will be praying their number nine is ready to roar when it matters most.