Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk is hoping Victor Osimhen will recover in time to face Trabzonspor after the Nigerian striker was ruled out with a groin injury.
Osimhen picked up the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir, scoring before being forced off in the first half.
Medical tests later showed a strain in his right adductor muscle, with bleeding detected in the injured area. The problem has already ruled him out of Galatasaray’s Champions League clash with Sporting CP and their league meeting with Kocaelispor.
Buruk admitted that Galatasaray missed the Super Eagles striker in their narrow win over Kocaelispor, particularly because of his ability to turn chances into goals.
The Nigerian forward had made an excellent start to the season before the injury, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four appearances.
Galatasaray are now monitoring his recovery as they prepare for their trip to Trabzonspor on September 19.
Buruk will be desperate to have his main striker back, but the club are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with the 27 year old if he is not fully ready.
Osimhen’s absence has already affected Galatasaray’s attack, with the Turkish champions struggling to find a breakthrough for long periods against Kocaelispor before Abdulkerim Bardakci scored the only goal of the game.
The striker is also set to miss Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau later this month.
However, the immediate focus is his recovery and a possible return against Trabzonspor.
A fit Osimhen would provide Buruk with a major attacking boost as the club continue their title defence.
