Victor Osimhen’s availability for Galatasaray’s crucial UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool remains uncertain. Coach Okan Buruk confirmed that the star striker is still undergoing recovery, with the team’s medical staff closely monitoring his condition ahead of the highly anticipated game.
Osimhen, who played just 10 minutes in Galatasaray’s previous match, has been a key figure for the Turkish champions, and his potential return would be a massive boost for the team. “Victor continued training, and we will see how he is in the last session today,” Buruk said in a statement on the club’s official website. “The fact that he played 10 minutes in the last match and continued with the squad is a positive sign. We’ll assess him today and make the final decision.”
Should Osimhen be cleared to play, his presence will be vital, especially after Galatasaray’s challenging 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in their Champions League opener. The club is hoping to bounce back and will rely on their domestic form, where they have a perfect record in the Turkish Super Lig, winning all seven matches. They are set to face a Liverpool side that has faced its own challenges in recent weeks, with questions surrounding their attacking depth and defensive vulnerabilities.
The Reds, however, come into the match with new additions like Hugo Ekitike, who is back from suspension after a red card against Southampton. Alexander Isak, their record-breaking signing from Newcastle, is still adjusting to his new team. Liverpool’s defense has also been scrutinized, with Ibou Konate’s recent performances under the microscope, and a fit Osimhen would certainly test their backline further.
Buruk, acknowledging Liverpool’s pedigree, showed respect to their opponents, calling them “a very important team, a very successful team, and with a very successful coach.”
He also emphasized the importance of his own side’s intensity, citing how teams like Crystal Palace and Newcastle applied pressure against Liverpool.
“We must replicate that kind of intensity at home and apply constant pressure on them,” Buruk stated.
