Victor Osimhen is expected to return to the squad for Galatasaray ahead of their crucial league derby against Beşiktaş J.K. this weekend.
The Nigerian striker was rested for Galatasaray’s midweek Turkish Cup match against Alanyaspor, with coach Okan Buruk opting to leave him out of the trip.
Osimhen had played a key role in the club’s 3-1 league win over Alanyaspor last weekend, scoring the third goal to take his tally to 10 in the Turkish Süper Lig this season.
Photo Credit: Imago
Despite his absence, Galatasaray secured a 2-1 victory in the cup tie thanks to goals from Barış Alper Yılmaz and Renato Nhaga, finishing top of their group with four wins from four matches to reach the quarter-finals.
Attention now shifts back to the league, where Galatasaray face one of their fiercest rivals.
Saturday’s match at Tüpraş Stadium will be the 340th meeting between the Istanbul clubs. Galatasaray have won 128 of those encounters, while Beşiktaş have recorded 116 victories.
Photo Credit: Imago
Buruk acknowledged the strength of their opponents but insisted his side will approach the match with confidence.
“We’re going to play against a very good team,” he said.
“Especially against us, Beşiktaş will be at their best, highly motivated, and in top form. We know their performance has improved and they have strengthened with new transfers.
“But we are Galatasaray, and we go into every match to win.”
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Beşiktaş have shown strong form under coach Sergen Yalçın, who has overseen a steady improvement since taking charge in August.
Photo Credit: Ndidi/Instagram
Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has played an important role in that run, helping the club remain unbeaten in their last 16 matches.
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Ndidi is expected to anchor the midfield and attempt to limit the threat posed by Osimhen his vice-captain with the Nigeria national football team in what is expected to be a fiercely contested Istanbul derby
