Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has confirmed that Victor Osimhen’s absence from the squad during the club’s victory over Gençlerbirliği in Ankara was a purely fitness-related decision, with the Nigerian international now targeting a return ahead of the pivotal derby against Fenerbahçe.
Osimhen had been expected to feature after taking part in segments of training in the days before the Gençlerbirliği fixture, generating optimism among supporters who had travelled with the team to Ankara. However, the Super Eagles striker reportedly struggled to cope with the intensity of those sessions, and the club’s medical and coaching staff opted for caution.
“We didn’t think he was suitable for the squad this week,” Buruk said ahead of the match, indicating the decision was aimed at eliminating unnecessary risk during a critical stage of the season. The Galatasaray manager emphasised that Osimhen’s omission was not a tactical call but a precautionary one, driven by noticeable fatigue observed during training.
Despite the setback, Buruk outlined a phased reintegration approach for the Nigerian forward. The plan involves gradually reintroducing Osimhen to competitive action — potentially through cup fixtures considered less physically demanding — before building his match sharpness in a controlled manner. The objective is to restore the striker to full fitness without exposing him to the kind of strain that could worsen his condition.
Crucially, Buruk expressed clear confidence that Osimhen would be available for the derby against Fenerbahçe, stating: “Of course, he will be able to play in the Fenerbahçe match.” The fixture carries significant weight in the Turkish Süper Lig title race, and Osimhen’s availability is expected to be a decisive factor in Galatasaray’s preparations.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli ahead of the 2024-25 season after a protracted transfer saga involving Paris Saint-Germain and several top European clubs. The 26-year-old has been a key figure in Galatasaray’s attacking setup since his arrival, and the club have been managing his workload carefully following his recent fitness issues.
The Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby — known as the Intercontinental Derby — is one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Turkish football, and its timing within the title run-in amplifies its significance. With Galatasaray fighting to retain domestic supremacy, Buruk’s squad will be acutely aware of what a positive result in that fixture could mean for their title ambitions.
No official date for Osimhen’s return to the starting lineup has been confirmed, though the structured reintegration plan described by Buruk suggests the striker could see limited minutes in the coming days before being considered for a full return against Fenerbahçe.
