Our correspondent from Nigeria, Abubakar Sani
Coach Okan Buruk revealed the reasons for excluding Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from the team's roster for Galatasaray's upcoming match against Genclerbirligi, despite him traveling with the team to Ankara.
In a pre-match interview, Boruc confirmed that the decision was due to concerns about physical readiness, not technical reasons, explaining that the striker had not fully recovered from recent physical strain.
Osimhen's participation in group training
The Galatasaray coach revealed that Osimhen participated in part of the group training before the match, but he had difficulty enduring the intensity of the exercises.
Boruc indicated that the player's condition was carefully assessed before a final decision was made regarding his participation in the team's next match.
Boruc, quoted by GZT, said: “Osimhen participated in some parts of the training, but he felt exhausted after these sessions,” indicating that the player has not yet reached full fitness.
He added that the coaching staff preferred not to risk including him, saying: “We did not see him as suitable to be in the team’s roster this week,” stressing that the club continues to closely monitor his condition.
Despite this, Boruc expressed optimism about Osimhen's return in upcoming matches, indicating the possibility of gradually introducing him, especially in cup matches, where the number of minutes he participates can be controlled.
He added: "We will see how many minutes he can play in the next cup match," as part of a plan to gradually and safely return him to the pitch.
The derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce
The Galatasaray coach also expressed his confidence in Osimhen's readiness to participate in one of the team's most important upcoming matches, the derby against Fenerbahce, saying: "Of course he will be able to play in the Fenerbahce match.".
Osimhen's absence is significant for Galatasaray, given his pivotal role in the attacking line, but the decision to rest him reflects the club's keenness to avoid aggravating any potential injury, especially with a crucial stage of the season approaching.
With important matches approaching, most notably the Fenerbahce derby, it seems that Galatasaray prefers to have its star player back in the best possible condition rather than risk his early return.
