Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has moved to reassure supporters following the club’s recent dip in form, attributing the results to a wave of injuries within the squad. He confirmed that star forward Victor Osimhen is expected to be fit in time for Monday’s high-stakes Fenerbahçe derby.
“Our players will return from injury. I expect a great match, and I hope Galatasaray emerges victorious. It’s a very important derby, and I invite everyone to watch. We will field a very strong team,” Özbek said.
Meanwhile, fresh reports suggest that Galatasaray is hoping to retain Osimhen beyond the standard release schedule set by FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. The rules require clubs to release players selected for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by the Monday morning preceding the start of the tournament—meaning Osimhen should join the Super Eagles camp from December 8.
However, the Turkish champions are expected to request at least a one-day delay in his departure. Galatasaray is determined to have the Nigerian striker available for their crucial UEFA Champions League fixture against AS Monaco on Tuesday, December 9, at the Stade Louis II in France.
