Galatasaray boss Buruk under pressure amid Osimhen absence

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk is facing mounting scrutiny as the club enters a decisive phase of the Süper Lig season without key striker Victor Osimhen.

Galatasaray remain top of the table with 64 points from 27 matches, but their margin has narrowed significantly following a 2-1 defeat to Trabzonspor.

Rivals Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor are now just one point behind, increasing the pressure on the league leaders.

Despite recording four wins in their last five league outings, underlying concerns persist. The team’s away form has been inconsistent, with four consecutive defeats across competitions exposing vulnerabilities during a critical stretch of the campaign.

Osimhen absence exposes structural gap

Osimhen’s absence has had a measurable impact on performance levels as well. The Nigerian forward has scored 12 league goals in 19 appearances this season, alongside seven in European competition, playing a central role in Galatasaray’s progression to the Champions League knockout stage.

Without him, the team have suffered five defeats, underlining his tactical importance. Buruk has previously built his system around Osimhen’s movement, pressing intensity, and finishing ability.

The 25-year-old is currently recovering from surgery after a forearm fracture sustained in a collision with Ibrahima Konate. Although initially ruled out for up to eight weeks, he has resumed light training and could return in time for the derby against Fenerbahce on April 26.

Pressure builds ahead of decisive fixtures

Osimhen is expected to miss key fixtures against Göztepe and Kocaelispor, as well as a Turkish Cup clash with Gençlerbirliği – matches that could shape the outcome of the title race.