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Galatasaray face a major selection dilemma ahead of Thursday’s Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt, with doubts lingering over the fitness of star striker Victor Osimhen, Footynaija.com reports.
The former Napoli striker picked up an injury during international duty earlier this month, limping out of the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Rwanda and later missing the draw with South Africa. He also sat out Galatasaray’s weekend Süper Lig win over Eyüpspor.
Despite those setbacks, Osimhen is pushing hard to be involved in Germany.
According to Fanatik, the 26-year-old has told the club’s medical staff he is prepared to take painkilling injections if it means he can play. An MRI scan carried out after joining up with the squad reportedly delivered encouraging results, raising hopes of his participation.
But manager Okan Buruk is reluctant to gamble with the club’s all-time record signing.
The veteran Turkish coach, who has been in close consultation with the medical team, has made his stance clear.
“There are still seven Champions League matches left. If Osimhen hasn’t fully recovered, let me know. Even if the risk is 10 percent, I won’t let Osimhen play,” Buruk said, as quited by A Spor.
That cautious approach may clash with the striker’s determination to feature. Osimhen has fond memories of Frankfurt, having scored three times against them during the 2022–23 season, his best return against any European opponent.
Whether he trains fully in Wednesday’s final session will likely decide his fate. If he comes through without discomfort, he is expected to be in the matchday squad. If not, Buruk is prepared to hold him back.
Either way, the countdown to kick-off has become a personal race against time for Osimhen and a crucial balancing act for Galatasaray.
