Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk says he will not hesitate to unleash the attacking firepower of Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi in their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off first leg against Juventus at Rams Park on Tuesday (today), Sports Extra reports.
Osimhen and Icardi are in sizzling form this season, having both been involved in all five goals in Galatasaray’s 5–1 win over Eyupspor on Friday. The Nigerian forward provided two assists, while the Argentine striker scored a hat-trick.
Icardi is the team’s leading scorer with 13 goals in 21 appearances this season, enjoying a remarkable return to first-team action after injury limited him to just seven league games last term.
Osimhen, meanwhile, has featured in 16 games this season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists.
Ahead of their Champions League knockout play-off first leg against Juventus at Rams Park, Buruk is keen to start both strikers in what promises to be a crucial encounter.
“When we signed Victor Osimhen, I decided to play with two strikers, but then Mauro Icardi got injured. Now both are at the peak of their form, and they can play together,” Buruk said ahead of the match.
The coach also played down concerns about selection headaches.
“We have also added players like Leroy Sané and Noa Lang to our squad. I assure you, selecting the team is never easy.”
The Turkish Süper Lig champions remain in pole position to retain their league title this season, but their European ambitions hang in the balance as they battle for progression in the play-offs.
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