Sporting CP, goalkeeper Rui Silva has stated that Galatasaray remains a huge threat, even without Victor Osimhen in their crucial Champions League encounter.
Osimhen will miss Wednesday’s match at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon due to an injury he sustained during the first half of Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Başakşehir.
The Nigerian forward has been left out of Galatasaray’s squad travelling to Portugal as he concentrates on recovering from a right adductor muscle injury.
Osimhen had a remarkable start to the season, scoring in four consecutive matches.
Prior to his injury, he had tallied six goals and two assists, averaging two contributions per game.
While Silva acknowledged Osimhen’s skill, he stressed that Sporting must not underestimate the other attacking options available to Galatasaray.
In comments reported by Record, the goalkeeper noted, “He[Osimhen] is a goalscorer, an exceptional player, but in his absence, they certainly have high-quality alternatives to fill that void.
“They are very strong offensively, and we must be at our best defensively.”
Last season, Osimhen recorded ten goal involvements (seven goals and three assists) over ten Champions League matches.
Reports from both Portugal and Turkey indicate that Galatasaray’s manager Okan Buruk is expected to deploy Barış Alper Yılmaz as the striker to replace Osimhen in the forthcoming match against Sporting.
Champions League: Galatasaray dangerous without Osimhen – Silva