Turkish giants Galatasaray S.K. have clarified why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was omitted from the squad that faced Alanyaspor in the Turkish Cup on Tuesday.
The club stated that the decision was part of an individualized recovery plan aimed at allowing the forward to rest after a demanding schedule in both domestic competition and the UEFA Champions League. Alongside Osimhen, teammates Uğurcan Çakır, Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı and Mario Lemina were also assigned special training programs for active recovery.
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Galatasaray emphasised that the measure was preventive and performance-focused, noting the physical toll of recent fixtures. Osimhen has been instrumental in the club’s campaign this season, notably contributing to their victory over Italian champions Juventus F.C. in the Champions League.
The striker has enjoyed a prolific season, registering 17 goals and six assists in 25 appearances across all competitions. However, his Turkish Cup debut remains on hold, partly due to earlier commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations, which caused him to miss initial rounds of the tournament.
Galatasaray’s explanation underscores the balancing act elite clubs face in managing player workload amid congested fixtures. With Osimhen central to their attacking ambitions, the recovery plan suggests a strategic approach to preserving his fitness for the season’s decisive stages.
Fans will now look forward to his return to competitive action, with expectations high that the striker will continue delivering the goals and performances that have defined his impressive stint in Turkey.
