Osimhen injury hits Galatasaray as coach Buruk faces criticism
Victor Osimhen suffered an arm injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League second‑leg match against Liverpool at Anfield in March 2026, sidelining the Nigerian striker at a crucial stage of the season. The injury, reported as a fractured forearm, kept him out of action as Galatasaray entered a busy run of domestic fixtures. In Osimhen’s absence, the Yellow‑Reds managed only one win in their last three league games—a 2‑1 loss to Trabzonspor, a 3‑1 victory over Göztepe, and a 1‑1 draw with Kocaelispor. Former Turkey international Erman Toroğlu criticised head coach Okan Buruk for becoming overly reliant on Osimhen, saying in an interview with Habersarikirmizi that "there was Icardi, there was Osimhen, there was Okan Buruk. Now Osimhen is absent, Okan Buruk is absent. It's that straightforward." Toroğlu added that Buruk’s handling of Mauro Icardi has been poor, using the Argentine striker mostly as a late substitute when Osimhen was available, which disrupted Icardi’s rhythm. He argued that Buruk failed to adapt the squad’s play without its star forward, leaving the team lacking creativity and goal‑scoring threat. Osimhen has resumed training and is expected to be fit for the upcoming match against Fenerbahçe, with a possible first appearance against Gençlerbirliği later this month. His return could provide Galatasaray with the boost needed to reclaim momentum in the Turkish Süper Lig title race after dropping points recently. For Nigerian fans, Osimhen’s form at Galatasaray directly influences his availability and sharpness for the Super Eagles, making his recovery a matter of national interest. Will you keep tracking his comeback minutes and hope he fires Galatasaray back into title contention while staying ready for Nigeria’s next international fixtures?