Galatasaray have handed a major boost to their title hopes by including Victor Osimhen in the squad for Saturday’s league match against Gençlerbirliği, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria striker has not played since March after suffering a forearm fracture during a Champions League game against Liverpool, but he is now back in training and ready to play a part.
His return comes at a crucial time in the Turkish Süper Lig season. With just five matches left, Galatasaray are under pressure to maintain their narrow lead at the top of the table. Their advantage has been cut to just two points, and any slip could open the door for fierce rivals Fenerbahçe.
Osimhen’s importance to the team has been clear throughout the campaign. Before his injury, he was in excellent form, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. His energy, movement and finishing have made him the focal point of Galatasaray’s attack.
However, there is still some caution around his return. Although the striker is back in full training, medical staff are keen to avoid any risk of re-injury. Reports suggest he may not start the match and could instead be introduced later, possibly for a short spell. He is also expected to wear a protective brace on his arm if he features.
Despite that, Osimhen’s presence in the squad alone is a big lift for the team. During his absence, Galatasaray struggled for consistency, winning just one of their last three league matches. That dip in form allowed their closest challengers to close the gap and increase the pressure heading into the final stretch.
Coach Okan Buruk now has more attacking options again. Mauro Icardi, who has scored 13 league goals this season, is expected to lead the line from the start. But with Osimhen available, Galatasaray have added depth and flexibility in attack at a decisive point in the campaign.
The bigger picture will also be in mind. A huge derby against Fenerbahçe is coming up next week, and ensuring Osimhen is fully fit for that match could be just as important as this weekend’s result.
Match preview: Galatasaray vs Gençlerbirliği
Galatasaray travel to Ankara to face Gençlerbirliği in what promises to be a tense and important encounter at both ends of the table. While the visitors are chasing the title, the hosts are fighting to avoid relegation, adding extra pressure to the contest.
Galatasaray are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Icardi leading the attack. Behind him, a creative trio will look to supply chances, while the midfield pairing of Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina is likely to control the tempo of the game. Defensively, they will aim to stay compact while pushing high up the pitch.
Gençlerbirliği are also set to use a similar shape but with a very different approach. They are likely to sit deep, defend in numbers and try to hit Galatasaray on the counter-attack. Players like Franco Tongya could be key in those transitions, using pace to exploit any gaps left by Galatasaray’s attacking style.
Team news could play a role in shaping the match. Galatasaray will be without some players due to suspension and injury, while Gençlerbirliği are missing key figures, including Henry Onyekuru, who has been left out for disciplinary reasons, and Peter Etebo, who is injured.
Historically, Galatasaray have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning the majority of previous meetings between the two sides. Their last encounter earlier in the season ended in a narrow victory, showing that Gençlerbirliği can still pose problems.
From a tactical point of view, the match is likely to follow a familiar pattern. Galatasaray will dominate possession and try to break down a compact defence, while the hosts will look to frustrate them and create chances on the break.
The stakes are high. Anything less than a win for Galatasaray could put their title hopes at risk ahead of next week’s derby. At the same time, every point matters for Gençlerbirliği as they try to stay in the top flight.
