'We miss Osimhen' - Galatasaray coach hopes Nigerian striker returns against Trabzonspor
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has admitted that the Turkish champions are missing the presence of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and expressed hope that the Super Eagles star will recover in time for next weekend’s trip to Trabzonspor.
Osimhen has missed Galatasaray’s last two matches after suffering a groin injury during the club’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir earlier this month.
The Nigerian was unavailable for the Champions League defeat to Sporting CP and Sunday’s narrow 1-0 Super Lig victory over Kocaelispor.
Galatasaray secured maximum points against Kocaelispor through Abdülkerim Bardakcı’s second-half goal, but Buruk acknowledged that Osimhen’s absence was noticeable, particularly in the final third.
“Having Osimhen is not just in terms of the player, but his presence on the field is a psychological strength,” Buruk said after the match. 
The Galatasaray boss praised new signing Deniz Gül for his performance in Osimhen’s absence but noted that the Nigerian’s presence gives the team another dimension in attack.
“It’s different when they play. Today, he had 2-3 chances to easily score. Deniz’s performance was also good. With Osimhen, the pressure in attack, of course, and having a goalscorer like him in the penalty area is very important,” Buruk added. 
Despite acknowledging the striker’s importance, Buruk stressed that Galatasaray still possess enough quality to win without their leading Nigerian forward.
“We are strong with Osimhen. We are also strong without Osimhen, we have strong players,” he said.
But the Turkish tactician made his feelings about the Nigerian’s absence clear.
“We miss Osimhen. We played with a lot of pressure, but having a clinical striker is very important. I was also pleased with Deniz’s performance.” 
The timing of Osimhen’s recovery has now become a major talking point ahead of Galatasaray’s next league assignment away to Trabzonspor.
Buruk is hopeful that the Nigerian will be among the players returning to full fitness before the fixture.
“If our players can return, and if we can get Osimhen and Lemina ready, we will field a stronger squad,” the Galatasaray manager said. 
Osimhen’s return would provide a major boost for Galatasaray, particularly after the team had to work hard for a narrow victory over Kocaelispor following their disappointing Champions League result against Sporting CP.
The Nigerian had enjoyed a strong start to the campaign before the injury interrupted his momentum, making his recovery an important issue for both club and country.
His fitness will also be closely monitored in Nigeria, with the Super Eagles preparing for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
For now, Buruk and Galatasaray will have to wait for the final medical assessment before determining whether Osimhen can feature against Trabzonspor.
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