Galatasaray manager, Okan Buruk stated that Victor Osimhen’s absence had a significant impact on the team’s performance during their UEFA Europa League clash against Rigas FS.
Osimhen, who sustained a thigh strain during the weekend’s match against Kasimpasa, was unavailable for the game against the Latvian side.
Victor Osimhen. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Despite his absence, Galatasaray managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Rigas FS.
Buruk expressed his belief that the 25 year-old forward could have contributed to a different result had he been available.
“Of course, we had some shortcomings. Victor Osimhen was not with us due to his injury,” Buruk said in a statement on the club’s official website.
“With him, we would have had more options and solutions in matches like these.”
Buruk also commented on the performance of striker Mauro Icardi, adding, “We saw that Icardi moved more freely and played more comfortably.
“However, I had higher expectations from the players who came on later in the game.
Mauro Icardi. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, we were unable to deliver. We needed to create more opportunities.”
The Nigerian, has made an impressive start to the season with two goals and three assists in four games for Galatasaray.
He is expected to miss Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya due to his injury.
