Victor Osimhen gives an update on his knee injury and warns that Galatasaray will “struggle” against Juventus despite their 5-2 lead in the Champions League play-offs. “Defense starts from attack.”
It starts on Wednesday at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET).
The Bianconeri have a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul, despite taking a 2-1 half-time lead as Juan Cabal’s red card proved disastrous.
Osimhen did not score in that first leg, but was rested at the weekend with a knee problem.
Osimhen ready for battle against Juventus
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 14: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray watches during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Rizespor at Rams Park Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
“My knee is fine, thank you,” Osimhen told Sky Sport Italia.
“I have a little pain in my knee, that’s why I didn’t play in the last league game, but thanks to the medical team I’m back with the squad and looking forward to facing Juve.”
Galatasaray are aiming to make history by knocking Juventus out of the Champions League, and Osimhen denies suggestions they are a completely different team in his absence.
“It’s a big responsibility, but it’s not just about Osimhen. I have to congratulate the rest of the team as they have been a big help in putting this club where it needs to be,” the Nigerian international continued.
“This club is huge, we have seen many times that even with legends in the past who played for this club, it is the only Turkish team that has done really well in Europe. We have been doing it for so many years, when you mention a big club, we have done very well in the Champions League.
“Tomorrow we also have the opportunity to write history for the club, so it’s not just about one player. Of course, I appreciate all the support from the fans, the coach, the trust he has in me. If I don’t have these guys behind me, I don’t think they can listen to me when I try to carry them forward. Anything can be possible, I congratulate them, we are going to lead each other hand in hand and try to make sure we get the maximum result.”
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates the victory during the 2024/25 Europa League MD4 Phase match between Galatasaray AS and Tottenham Hotspur at Rams Park on November 7, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Although he did not score in the first leg, his high-pressure play allowed him to steal the ball twice and provide assists, constantly harassing Juventus defenders.
“One thing about me is that if I don’t see an opportunity to score, I try to help my team,” Osimhen added.
“Juventus always starts from behind, so it was important to put pressure on them, I try to call my teammates forward as well, to not let them start that play from behind. Juventus has a lot of quality, when they manage to get the ball to Kenan Yildiz, he is a very dangerous player, just like Conceicao, so we must try to block his passes.
“The defense starts from the attack, so the other forwards and I have to start pressing. It was the right thing to do and, of course, the coach’s instructions. I did my duty and I’m glad I did it diligently.”
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray AS celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Playoffs first leg match between Galatasaray AS and Juventus at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Despite the big advantage gained in the first leg, Galatasaray and Osimhen have no intention of sitting back in Turin.
“Tomorrow I don’t think we’re the type of team that’s going to sit still either, because Juventus are a really big team, but we’ll go out and fight against them. It’s going to be a really difficult game, I’m looking forward to it.”
