Galatasaray’s Champions League hopes suffered another setback on Tuesday night after a 1-0 home defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise, and former Premier League striker Troy Deeney believes the loss highlights just how crucial Victor Osimhen is to the Turkish champions.
Osimhen, who has been in blistering form in Europe this season, was unavailable after sustaining an injury on international duty with Nigeria two weeks ago. His absence was glaring once again, as Okan Buruk’s men struggled to create clear chances or find a cutting edge in front of goal at RAMS Park.
The Nigerian forward has already produced six goals in just three Champions League appearances this term, single-handedly lifting Galatasaray’s attacking threat. Without him, the team looked blunt and predictable, unable to break down a tactically disciplined Union Saint-Gilloise side.
This is not the first time Galatasaray have faltered without their star striker. They were thrashed 4-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday one, another game Osimhen missed due to injury. The pattern is becoming all too familiar, and Deeney did not hold back in pointing out the issue.
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, the former Watford captain said Osimhen brings qualities that cannot be replicated by any other player in the squad.
“Victor Osimhen, you just can’t underplay his importance to the team,” Deeney stressed. “Yes they’ve got Lemina and other players that add other elements, but Osimhen is one of the top five strikers in world football.”
Deeney highlighted the physicality, pace, pressing intensity, and goal-scoring instinct that make Osimhen irreplaceable. Without those attributes, he believes Galatasaray lose a significant tactical dimension, especially in matches where they need a moment of individual brilliance.
“If you don’t have someone like that, you can’t just pull anybody from the bench,” he added. “Without Osimhen they’ve lost a big part, they need to get him back as soon as possible.”
Galatasaray’s struggles in front of goal were evident throughout the match. Despite dominating possession and territory for long stretches, they found it difficult to break down the Belgian side. Their attacks lacked sharpness, and chances were few and far between.
Union Saint-Gilloise, on the other hand, executed their plan perfectly—remaining compact defensively and striking clinically when given the opportunity. The result leaves Galatasaray under increasing pressure in the group stage, with their knockout chances now dependent on securing points in their final fixtures.
Osimhen’s injury comes at a particularly bad time for the club. His explosive start to the European campaign had made Galatasaray one of the early surprises of the competition. His movement off the ball and aggressive runs in behind defenders opened up space not just for himself but for the creative players around him.
Without him, Buruk’s side looked pedestrian, their attacks slowed by hesitation and lack of vertical threat.
Beyond the tactical implications, Osimhen’s leadership and mentality were also missed. The 26-year-old has consistently shown a fearless attitude on big nights, often dragging his team forward through sheer determination.
Galatasaray fans remain hopeful that the striker’s recovery will progress quickly, but there is still no confirmed timeline for his return. With more critical fixtures ahead, his availability may well determine the club’s Champions League fate.
For now, the Turkish champions must regroup and find temporary solutions, but as Deeney emphasized, there is no replacing a striker of Osimhen’s calibre.
Galatasaray will need him fit—fast—if they hope to salvage their European campaign.
