Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen (Photo credit: Imago)
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will miss Galatasaray’s UEFA Europa League round of 16 playoff game against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday due to an accumulation of red cards, Soccernet.ng reports.
Galatasaray will play AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their round-of-16 Europa League playoffs. The Turkish giants finished 14th in the league phase of the competition, sealing a date with AZ Alkmaar.
The first leg of the tie is at the AFA Stadium in Alkmaar. However, Galatasaray will have to play without their star player, Osimhen.
This is as the 26-year-old striker got suspended for the fixture after accumulating three yellow cards in the group stage.
It will be a big miss for the Rams, as Osimhen has produced five goals and one assist in six appearances. Nonetheless, he should be available for the second leg if he stays fit.
Going into the fixture in Alkmaar, the options available to Galatasaray coach Orkan Buruk are Dries Mertens, Alvaro Morata, and Roland Sallai.
The Turkish tactician will likely use Morata, who was signed from AC Milan during the January transfer window. And although the Spanish striker has a lot of experience playing in Europe, he still hasn’t proved himself in Galatasaray.
Osimhen’s absence will be a big miss for the Rams, as he already has a great connection and understanding with his teammates.
Galatasaray will aim for a draw at least in the first leg before finishing the job in Turkey next week.