Galatasaray Receives Major Victor Osimhen Boost Ahead of Crucial Champions League Clash
Turkish football giants Galatasaray have received a significant morale boost ahead of their decisive UEFA Champions League knockout playoff second leg against Juventus. Star striker Victor Osimhen has returned to full training after recovering from knee discomfort, providing the team with renewed confidence for their trip to Italy.
Osimhen's Timely Return to Full Training
The Nigerian international trained without visible discomfort at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities on Monday evening, easing concerns about the knee issue that kept him out of Galatasaray's recent Turkish Süper Lig match against Konyaspor Kulübü. The club had previously stated that Osimhen missed the 2-0 defeat as a precautionary measure following pain in his right knee.
Head coach Okan Buruk confirmed the decision, explaining that although the 27-year-old striker had experienced similar discomfort before, this time he reported severe pain. With the crucial Champions League tie approaching, Galatasaray opted for caution, a decision that now appears justified with Osimhen's successful return to training.
Galatasaray's Commanding Position
Galatasaray travel to Turin with a commanding 5-2 advantage from the first leg played at RAMS Park in Istanbul, where Osimhen played a central role in their dominant attacking display. This result positions the Turkish champions as strong favorites to progress to the Round of 16 of Europe's premier club competition.
Historical statistics further favor Galatasaray, as the club has progressed from all 11 previous European knockout ties in which they won the first leg by at least three goals. For Juventus, the challenge is particularly steep, with their 5-2 defeat in Istanbul marking only the second time they have been beaten by a three-goal margin in the first leg of a major European knockout tie.
Osimhen's Crucial Importance to Galatasaray
Since joining the Istanbul-based side, Osimhen's influence on Galatasaray's results has been undeniable. In matches the Nigerian forward has missed, excluding those lost to national team duty, Galatasaray have played 13 games and won just six. His absence against Konyaspor coincided with one of their weaker recent performances, highlighting how much their attacking structure depends on the striker's presence.
With Osimhen now back in training and expected to be available for selection, Galatasaray regain a key offensive weapon for their crucial trip to Turin. His return comes at an optimal time as the team aims to complete the job in Italy and secure their place in the Champions League Round of 16.
Off-Field Speculation
In separate developments, reports have emerged suggesting Osimhen may be facing off-field issues at Galatasaray, with claims that the Super Eagles star has not received two months of his salary. While the club has officially attributed his absence against Konyaspor to knee pain, speculation on social media has pointed to unpaid salaries as a potential contributing factor.
Despite these rumors, the immediate focus remains on Wednesday's crucial Champions League encounter, where Osimhen's availability could prove decisive in determining whether Galatasaray advances to the next stage of the competition.
