“Victor Osimhen’s absence” – Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk bitter after Kocaelispor draw

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has expressed his frustration with Victor Osimhen's absence following their 1-1 draw against Kocaelispor on Sunday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The Cimbom's chase for the Süper Lig title took a significant hit after a disappointing draw against Kocaelispor at Rams Park.

​The game was expected to be a routine win for Galatasaray, who are in the mix for the Süper Lig trophy, but they flattered to deceive.

​After Leroy Sané's 30th-minute goal, Galatasaray took their foot off the gas and allowed Kocaelispor to get into the game. They were eventually punished in the 72nd minute, as Bruno Petković scored the equalizer, and the game ended that way.

​Galatasaray later picked up the pace, but they lacked a cutting edge in the final third. They lacked creativity and just kept swinging the ball into the box. Eventually, it ended in a stalemate.

​Okan Buruk Rues Victor Osimhen's Absence

​Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was unavailable for the game due to a forearm injury. It was clear that he was missing, as Galatasaray lacked someone with a presence in the box.

​After the game, coach Okan Buruk was visibly disappointed, and he mentioned that Osimhen's absence was a key reason for the dropped points.

​”Osimhen's absence is difficult for us. The game with Osimhen is always important and valuable for us,” Buruk said.

​Osimhen is expected to return to the matchday squad when Galatasaray play Gençlerbirliği next week. Then, he will lead the line for the Cimbom on April 26 against Fenerbahçe in the Istanbul derby.