Galatasaray’s manager, Okan Buruk, confirmed that Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability for Thursday’s crucial Europa League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Turkish champions are hopeful that Osimhen, who recently resumed training, will be ready for the clash after recent fitness concerns.
Injury Woes and Recent Form
Osimhen, a standout for Galatasaray since joining the club, has faced recurring fitness issues, including a muscle strain that kept him out of two games before October’s international break.
These injury setbacks also led to his absence from the Super Eagles’ squad for their recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya.
Despite these interruptions, Osimhen has been instrumental for Galatasaray, and his return to training has eased concerns among fans and the club’s staff.
Tactical Flexibility and Galatasaray’s Defensive Setup
At the pre-match press conference relayed by NTVSpor, Buruk provided insight into Galatasaray’s tactical approach, highlighting the flexibility of their defensive setups.
“We used different systems in the last two games, but our first priority is the four-man defense”
Buruk explained, indicating that while the team adapts based on the opponent, the four-man backline remains central to their strategy.
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Buruk added that Victor Osimhen’s final availability, along with other key players, will be assessed after the day’s last training session.
“Osimhen went to training yesterday, we will make a decision about him, and we will make a decision about the other players. Today is the last training, we will try to make it a little more clear.”
High-Stakes Showdown in Istanbul
With seven points from their opening three Europa League games, Galatasaray faces a formidable Tottenham side, who sit atop the group without dropping a point.
Buruk is keen to have Osimhen fit, just as the Super Eagles are set to face Benin Republic in an African Cup of Nations qualifier clash.
