Galatasaray Coach Explains Osimhen Absence From Gençlerbirliği Clash

Galatasaray Coach Explains Osimhen Absence From Gençlerbirliği Clash

Sampson Adedeji

The head coach of Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray, Okan Buruk, has clarified why Nigerian international Victor Osimhen was absent from the squad in their clash against Gençlerbirliği, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Osimhen, who travelled with the team for the fixture, was surprisingly left out of the matchday squad, raising concerns among fans.

Speaking after the game, Buruk revealed that the decision was precautionary following signs of fatigue observed during training sessions.

“Osimhen took part in certain parts of training. After those sessions, he experienced some fatigue,” Buruk was quoted by Sporx.

The Galatasaray boss further disclosed that a joint decision was reached involving the club’s medical staff to rest the striker rather than risk aggravating his condition.

“Coach Yener, Osimhen, and I spoke about it. We didn’t find it appropriate for him to be in the squad this week,” he added.

Buruk, however, expressed optimism that the Super Eagles forward will return to action soon, with a possible appearance in the next cup fixture before a crucial league encounter against arch-rivals Fenerbahçe.

“We can look ahead to the next cup match and see how many minutes he can play. Of course, he will be able to play in the Fenerbahçe match,” Buruk concluded.

Osimhen’s fitness will be closely monitored as Galatasaray prepare for a decisive stage in their domestic campaign.