Rui Silva: Galatasaray still threat without Osimhen for Sporting CP clash

Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen will miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Sporting CP at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade after sustaining a right adductor muscle injury in the first half of his side’s 3-2 win over Başakşehir. The Nigerian forward had scored in four consecutive matches, contributing six goals and two assists before the injury left him out of the travelling squad.

Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Silva told Portuguese outlet Record that Galatasaray remains a major threat despite Osimhen’s absence, noting they possess high-quality attacking options. Silva specifically mentioned that Barış Alper Yılmaz is expected to start as the replacement striker. He emphasized that Sporting must be at their best defensively, warning that underestimating Galatasaray’s offense would be a mistake.

Last season, Osimhen recorded seven goals and three assists in ten Champions League appearances for Galatasaray. With the Turkish side’s attack still potent, the match could hinge on whether Sporting’s defence can contain the alternatives or if Galatasaray’s depth will prove decisive. Will Galatasaray’s attack miss Osimhen’s goal threat, or can players like Yılmaz keep them dangerous enough to challenge Sporting CP?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/08/champions-league-galatasaray-dangerous-without-osimhen-silva/