24.04.2026 09:30
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has clarified his striker choice ahead of the Fenerbahçe derby. Victor Osimhen, who recently returned from injury, has been decided to start in the first eleven.
Galatasaray, who will host Fenerbahçe in the 31st week of the Trendyol Super League, saw coach Okan Buruk make a notable choice before the derby. While Victor Osimhen, whose arm was broken and was considered unlikely to play, was expected to start on the bench, the experienced coach made a different decision.
OSIMHNEN TAKES ON THE DERBY
According to the news in Sabah newspaper, Okan Buruk based all his preparations on Victor Osimhen. It was confirmed that the Nigerian striker would start in the first eleven in the derby, while Mauro Icardi would sit on the bench.
JUST RETURNED FROM INJURY
Osimhen, who returned to the field after 35 days, played 17 minutes in the Ziraat Turkey Cup match against Gençlerbirliği. The star player, who plays with special equipment due to the fracture in his arm, has been a subject of debate.
OBJECTION FROM FENERBAHÇE
Meanwhile, the Fenerbahçe side applied to the Turkish Football Federation, citing that the protective equipment used by Osimhen poses a risk to other players. The yellow-navy team submitted a report requesting that the player not take the field, citing IFAB rules.