Victor Osimhen finally stepped back onto the pitch after weeks out, but Galatasaray coach Orkan Buruk admits the striker is still far from his best – www.isagoal.com reports.
The Nigerian forward had missed three weeks with an ankle injury before coming on as an 85th-minute substitute in Galatasaray’s narrow 1-0 win over Alanyaspor.
Reports revealed Buruk’s post-match comments, where he stressed that Osimhen is still struggling with pain and lacks proper match fitness.
“We wanted him to play 10 minutes today so he could feel the pain and adapt,” Buruk explained, adding that the striker has not trained fully with the squad.
The coach admitted that the decision was risky but necessary, saying, “Sometimes you must play through pain, and we need him ready for what’s ahead.”
Galatasaray’s biggest challenge now comes against Liverpool at Rams Park in the UEFA Champions League, just days after their league victory.
Buruk hinted Osimhen may only come off the bench against the Premier League side, depending on how quickly he recovers from discomfort.
The Turkish giants suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in their last Champions League outing, making the Liverpool clash even more crucial.
With Mauro Icardi and Osimhen both available, Galatasaray will be desperate to get a result, but the striker’s fitness remains the biggest concern.
