Galatasaray will be without star striker Victor Osimhen when they face Eintracht Frankfurt in their Champions League opener on Thursday.
The Nigerian international failed to recover from a shin injury sustained during Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in last week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo. He was substituted in the first half and has since been undergoing treatment in Turkey.
Osimhen also missed Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa and Galatasaray’s 2-0 weekend victory over Eyüpspor. Hopes of his early return were raised after reports in Turkey suggested he was willing to make sacrifices to feature in Frankfurt, but the club confirmed his absence when announcing their 23-man squad on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old had been in strong form before the setback, scoring in both of his opening league appearances after completing a high-profile summer move. He netted 37 goals in 41 matches last season while on loan and has 19 goals in 32 career UEFA competition games.
His absence is a major blow for Galatasaray, who face a challenging Champions League group that includes Liverpool, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Monaco, Union SG and Bodø/Glimt.
The Turkish champions were knocked out in the Europa League play-offs last season and will be looking to make a stronger impact in Europe this time around.
Head coach Okan Buruk will now have to rely on alternative attacking options against Frankfurt as Osimhen works toward full fitness.
The forward is expected to return in the coming weeks to bolster Galatasaray’s domestic and European campaigns.
