Galatasaray star returns from injury setback as Turkish champions carry 5–2 advantage into decisive second leg in Turin.

Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen is poised to lead Turkish champions Galatasaray into the next round of the UEFA Champions League as they face Juventus in the second leg of their knockout play-off in Turin.

Ahead of the crucial encounter, Osimhen expressed his admiration for the Italian giants while maintaining his focus on securing qualification.

The 25-year-old returned to training with his teammates on Monday and attended pre-match press conference duties alongside head coach Okan Buruk on Tuesday. He missed Galatasaray’s 2–0 league defeat to Konyaspor last Saturday, with the club describing his absence as a precautionary measure due to a knee knock.

Galatasaray head into the return leg with a commanding 5–2 advantage from the first meeting and will be determined to finish the job in Turin.

Osimhen provided two assists in the first encounter but remains cautious about Juventus’ quality and experience on the European stage.

“We’ll take to the field knowing we won the first match 5–2, but also fully aware that our opponent is Juventus,” Osimhen said. “It will be a long 90 minutes, full of intensity. We’ve done our preparations, and we’re ready.”

Despite missing their last league fixture, Osimhen believes the setback has added extra motivation ahead of the Champions League tie.

“After the poor result in the league, there’s even more importance attached to getting a good outcome here. We are ready and will approach the game just like we did in the first match. We won’t sit back and defend; we will attack.”

Osimhen has faced Juventus seven times during his time in Serie A, registering two goals and two assists against the Turin side.

While acknowledging his respect for the Bianconeri, the Galatasaray forward reaffirmed his commitment to the Turkish champions as they aim to seal qualification on Italian soil.