Nigerian striker and Galatasaray star, Victor Osimhen is facing a race against the clock to be fit for Tuesday evening’s UEFA Champions League league-phase clash against Belgian side, Union SG at Rams Park.
Head coach Okan Buruk confirmed that the Nigerian striker’s availability will be determined just hours before kick-off, with the club’s medical team carrying out final checks.
Buruk: “We will evaluate Lemina and Osimhen now”
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Buruk revealed that the club’s medical staff will conduct final assessments on several key players, including Osimhen and midfielder Mario Lemina , just hours before kick-off.
“We will also evaluate Lemina and Osimhen now to see if they will be available or not; we will make that assessment,”
— Okan Buruk
The uncertainty leaves Galatasaray waiting anxiously on the fitness of their most in-form attacker.
Red-Hot Osimhen Risks His European Form
Osimhen has been one of the standout players of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season. He currently:
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Leads the competition’s scoring chart
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Has six goals in three matches
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Scored a hat-trick against Ajax
But his involvement on Tuesday is in doubt after he picked up an injury during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo, forcing him to be substituted before the second half.
The knock has limited his involvement in training, leaving Galatasaray unsure whether to risk their talisman in a crucial fixture.
Galatasaray Need a Spark After Slow Start
The Turkish champions sit ninth in the Champions League league-phase table and are eager to secure maximum points against a Union SG side that have won just one of their four matches.
If Osimhen is unavailable, Argentine striker Mauro Icardi is expected to lead the line for the Istanbul club.
Match Details
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Fixture: Galatasaray vs Union SG
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Competition: UEFA Champions League (league phase)
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Venue: Rams Park, Istanbul
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Kick-off: 6:45 p.m. local time
