Former Turkish international Serkan Balcı has identified what he considers Victor Osimhen’s biggest problem at Galatasaray, following the Nigerian striker’s latest injury setback, Bold sports reports.
Osimhen has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 11 appearances this season. His recent performances include a brace against Fenerbahçe and another goal against Konyaspor. However, the 27-year-old has struggled to maintain consistent availability amid recurring fitness concerns.
Balcı raises concerns over Osimhen’s physical demands
Balcı shared his assessment while discussing Galatasaray on Turkish sports television channel Tivibu Spor.
The former Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor defender highlighted the physical demands associated with Osimhen’s approach to the game. He suggested that the striker’s maximum physical commitment creates difficulties during a demanding season.
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“Osimhen’s biggest problem is losing games during the season. Because he’s playing at his maximum physical capacity,” he said, as stated by Habersarikirmizi.
Osimhen suffers another injury setback
The former Napoli striker’s latest fitness concern emerged during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League meeting with VfB Stuttgart on November 3.
Osimhen completed the entire match as the Turkish champions secured a 2-0 victory. However, subsequent medical examinations revealed a loose fragment in his left knee.
Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that the Nigerian underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on November 7. Club doctor Yener İnce performed the procedure at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital.
The club has not established a definite recovery timeline. Instead, its medical team will monitor his condition through daily assessments.
His absence also ruled him out of Galatasaray’s 4-3 victory over Amed SK.
Nigeria also feel the impact of Osimhen’s absence
The injury has created another selection headache for Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle.
The Nigerian striker will miss the country’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania on November 13 and 17.
His absence removes an important attacking option from Nigeria’s preparations for both encounters.
Nevertheless, Osimhen’s contribution to Galatasaray remains significant. His 10 goals and three assists underline his importance to the Turkish champions.
Balcı’s comments have therefore drawn attention to an important concern surrounding the Nigerian forward: maintaining his physical availability throughout a demanding campaign.
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