Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has admitted that the absence of Victor Osimhen played a role in his side’s damaging 2-1 defeat to Trabzonspor on Saturday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
Buruk also pointed out that Trabzonspor would have struggled to win on the night if star forward Paul Onuachu was unavailable.
League leaders Galatasaray went into the match without their influential forward Osimhen, who is currently recovering from surgery after suffering a fractured forearm during a UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool. Without him, Galatasaray struggled to find their usual attacking rhythm and suffered their fifth defeat in a match he has missed this season.
The game itself started badly for the visitors. Paul Onuachu gave Trabzonspor an early lead in the fourth minute, putting immediate pressure on the Istanbul side. Galatasaray responded after the break through Wilfried Singo, who levelled in the 51st minute. However, the hosts struck again just over ten minutes later when new Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu headed home what proved to be the winning goal.
The result had a big impact on the title race. Galatasaray’s lead at the top of the Süper Lig table was cut to just one point, with Trabzonspor closing in after an important home victory.
This defeat also highlighted how important Osimhen has been this season. In previous meetings between the two sides, his presence made a clear difference. He scored twice when Galatasaray beat Trabzonspor 3-0 in the 2025 Turkish Cup final, showing his ability to decide big matches.
Buruk explains Osimhen’s importance and attacking struggles
After the game, Buruk was asked directly whether Osimhen’s absence affected his team, and the coach gave an honest and detailed response.
The veteran Turkish manager tied Osimhen, Onuachu and Mauro Icardi into his carefully woven answer.
“You can see this in many teams,” Buruk said as per BeinSports.
“Trabzonspor is different when Onuachu isn't there. Players who play regularly develop certain habits. The lack of match practice can become apparent for players who are constantly playing. Icardi hasn't had any playing time for a long time. He also needs playing time, but they are trying their best. Getting the ball to the striker is especially important. Sometimes some players can be more important for the team than others.”
Without Osimhen leading the line, Galatasaray's attack lacked sharpness and movement. The team found it harder to create clear chances and to link play effectively in the final third.
Before his injury, Osimhen had been one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe this season. Across all competitions, he has scored 19 goals and provided seven assists in 29 appearances. He is among the top scorers in the Süper Lig and made a strong impact in the Champions League, where he scored seven goals.
The Nigerian striker has also reached major milestones, including becoming the first Galatasaray player to score consistently across seven straight European matches and setting a new record as Nigeria’s top scorer in UEFA club competitions.
However, Galatasaray must continue to cope without him. Osimhen is recovering after surgery carried out on March 24 and has started light training again. The club is targeting his return for the crucial derby against Fenerbahçe later this month.
Until then, Buruk and his players will need to find solutions quickly, with the title race now tighter than ever.
