‘Incredible player’ – Slot explains how Osimhen absence changed Champions League tie

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted that the injury to Victor Osimhen played a significant role in his side’s dominant win over Galatasaray, as the English club powered into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Footynaija reports.

The Reds produced a stunning turnaround at Anfield, thrashing the Turkish champions 4-0 to overturn a first-leg deficit and seal a 4-1 aggregate victory. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool progressed alongside Arsenal as England’s remaining representatives.

However, Slot pointed to a key moment that shifted the balance of the contest.

Osimhen, who had troubled Liverpool’s defence with his relentless pressing and physical presence in the first half, was forced off at the break after a heavy collision with Ibrahima Konaté. His withdrawal disrupted Galatasaray’s intensity, allowing Liverpool to seize control.

Speaking after the match, Slot acknowledged the impact of the Nigerian striker’s absence.

“Osimhen is an incredible player for Galatasaray. His departure worked in our favor. It’s never pleasant to see any player get injured, but he is an effective player for Galatasaray,” he said at the end of the encounter.

Before his injury, Osimhen had unsettled Liverpool’s backline, even clashing with Virgil van Dijk during an energetic display. But once he was replaced by Leroy Sané, the visitors struggled to maintain their pressing structure, and Liverpool capitalised ruthlessly in the second half.

Osimhen was later seen leaving the stadium with his arm in a sling, a worrying sight for Galatasaray after a night that ended their European ambitions in disappointing fashion.

Galatasaray have confirmed that the Nigerian forward has suffered a fracture in his arm that may require surgery.