Victor Osimhen’s absence from Galatasaray’s starting line-up in their 2-0 preseason defeat to Italian side Monza has sparked plenty of chatter, but the reason behind it is far less dramatic than many feared.
The Turkish champions were beaten in the friendly, with Andrea Carboni opening the scoring in the first half and Patrick Cutrone doubling the lead after the interval.
Osimhen was named among the substitutes and only came on in the second period, a departure from his usual starting role.
According to reports in Turkey, however, there is no cause for alarm. The decision to leave the Nigeria striker on the bench was described as “purely a technical decision.”
The move was said to be about experimentation and handing other members of the squad valuable minutes before competitive action gets underway, with no injury or transfer worries behind it.
The 27-year-old continues to be linked with a host of Europe’s heavyweights, including Atlético Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona, PSG and Real Madrid, though he has repeatedly insisted he has no intention of leaving Galatasaray.
The setback follows a bright 5-1 romp over Umraniyespor in their preseason opener. Galatasaray return to action on Monday against newly promoted Serie A outfit Venezia, who recently signed fellow Nigerian Akor Adams from Sevilla.
Source: Soccernet.
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