Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that the injury to Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen worked in their favour as they booked their spot in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
The Reds booked their place in the quarter-final of the competition thanks to a 4-0 win at the Anfield Stadium overturning a 1-0 loss in Istanbul and advancing 4-1 on aggregate.
Dominik Szoboszlai 25′, Hugo Ekitike 51′, Ryan Gravenberch 53′ and Mohamed Salah 62 were on the scoresheet as they join Arsenal as the only two English clubs in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool’s second half surge according to Slot could be linked to Osimhen being substituted at half time as a result of injury with Leroy Sane replacing the Nigeria international.
More Read
The Nigeria international had been a torn in the flesh of Liverpool’s defence in the first half with his high press but after colliding with defender Ibrahima Konaté, he suffered a knock and was unable to continue. His absence left Galatasaray’s press deflated.
Asked if Osimhen’s substitution was advantageous to Liverpool winning the game, Slot was in the affirmative praising the Nigeria international and highlighting his strengths and what Liverpool enjoyed after he was substituted.
“Osimhen is an incredible player for Galatasaray. His departure worked in our favor. It’s never pleasant to see any player get injured, but he is an effective player for Galatasaray,” Slot said after the game.
After the game, Osimehn was seen in an arms sling while he limped out of the stadium. His hopes of leading Galatasaray to the quarter-finals ending in a disappointing note.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
