Turkey: Galatasaray told to start leaving Osimhen on bench in matches

Prominent Turkish sports journalist Ali Naci Küçük has advised Galatasaray to consider leaving Victor Osimhen on the bench in some matches to manage his workload throughout the season.

Küçük made the recommendation after Galatasaray announced on Friday that the Nigerian striker had sustained a knee injury following their UEFA Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart.

He expressed concern about Osimhen’s availability, pointing out that the striker missed several matches last season and has already been absent from four games this campaign.

“Last year, Osimhen was almost absent for half the season. This season, we are playing in week 11, and he’s played seven matches, missing four, including tomorrow’s game,” Küçük was quoted by Winner Galatasaray as saying.

He further urged the Turkish champions to rotate the striker when necessary, explaining that his demanding playing style makes it difficult to manage his workload while he is constantly involved in matches.

“In his current condition, yes, the pitch is a factor, but Osimhen plays match after match, putting in a huge amount of effort, and he’s not a player you can hold back or rein in,” he said.

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Küçük added that Galatasaray should rest Osimhen in matches they are more likely to win without him, allowing the club to benefit from his contribution throughout the season. He said: “You need to start leaving Osimhen on the bench in matches where you’re more likely to win, so you can benefit from him throughout the season.” Osimhen is expected to miss Saturday evening’s clash with Amed SK and remain sidelined for three weeks.