Galatasaray will navigate their away fixture against Konyaspor without talismanic forward Victor Osimhen after the club confirmed a minor knee injury for the Nigerian superstar. The 27-year-old forward stayed behind in Istanbul as a precautionary measure to ensure his readiness for a demanding upcoming schedule. According to an official statement on the club’s website, the medical team opted for rest to prevent aggravating the joint following the intense physical demands of midweek European competition.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s emphatic 5-2 demolition of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday. While the “masked striker” did not find the net himself, he dominated the Italian defense and registered two vital assists to help the “Yellow and Reds” secure a commanding advantage. His absence on the domestic front leaves a significant void in Okan Buruk’s lineup, especially given his prolific league form this season.
The Super Eagles sensation has maintained a remarkable scoring rate in the Turkish Süper Lig, tallying nine goals and providing three assists in just 16 appearances. Since his permanent move from Napoli, Osimhen has become the focal point of the Galatasaray attack, consistently delivering match-winning performances. Despite the current setback, the club’s technical staff remains optimistic that the injury is not severe, focusing instead on his recovery for the decisive second-leg trip to Turin next week.
Galatasaray currently sits at the top of the table and looks to tighten their grip on the title race during this weekend’s visit to Konya. In Osimhen’s absence, Mauro Icardi is expected to lead the line as the sole striker, supported by the creative duo of Noa Lang and Gabriel Sara. The team aims to maintain their winning momentum and prove their squad depth before turning their full attention back to their quest for Champions League glory on Wednesday night.
