Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has acknowledged the impact of Victor Osimhen’s absence as the Turkish champions endure a difficult spell that has seen their lead at the top of the Super Lig significantly reduced.
The Istanbul side are now just two points clear after failing to win any of their last three matches, recording two defeats and a draw. The downturn in results has coincided with the absence of Osimhen, who has been sidelined since suffering a forearm fracture in their 4-0 loss to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg on 18 March.
Since that match, Galatasaray have managed only one point from a possible nine, raising concerns about their ability to maintain their position at the summit of the league table.
Speaking after his side’s 1-1 draw with Kocaelispor, Buruk highlighted a combination of fatigue and injuries as key factors behind the team’s struggles. He suggested that a congested fixture schedule had taken a visible toll on his players.
“Playing three games in a row this week wore us out. The most critical part was having two or three players at half capacity. Yunus, Lang and Sara played with injuries,” Buruk said.
The manager also underlined the significance of Osimhen’s role in the team, particularly in attack, where his absence has been keenly felt.
“The game with Osimhen is also valuable and important. It was tough without Osimhen,” he added.
Galatasaray’s demanding European campaign has further compounded their difficulties. Buruk pointed to the physical and mental strain of competing in the Champions League, where the club played 12 matches this season.
“We played 12 matches in the Champions League. That’s equivalent to maybe 24 Super Lig matches. You wear yourselves out a lot there, physically and mentally,” he said.
The club’s participation in Europe, while prestigious, appears to have stretched the squad’s resources, leaving several players struggling with fitness issues during a crucial stage of the domestic season.
Despite the recent dip in form, there is optimism within the club as Osimhen has returned to training. The Nigerian striker is expected to make his comeback in the near future, potentially providing a much-needed boost as Galatasaray attempt to regain momentum.
Osimhen has been a key contributor this season, scoring 12 goals and registering four assists in 19 Super Lig appearances. Across all competitions, he has netted 19 times in 29 matches, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking output.
With the title race tightening, Galatasaray will be hoping his return can help stabilise their performances and reinforce their bid to retain the league crown.
