Get Guardian on GoogleGalatasaray have omitted Victor Osimhen from their Turkish Cup fixture against Alanyaspor scheduled for Tuesday.
Already assured of qualification from Group A, Galatasaray are targeting a perfect four-match run in the Ziraat Turkish Cup, having won all three of their previous group-stage games.
The club confirmed that Osimhen and several first-team regulars were rested to allow what it described as “active rest” amid an intense run of fixtures.
The Istanbul giants are currently navigating a demanding schedule as they balance a heated Süper Lig title race with the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Galatasaray last lifted the Turkish Cup in 2019.
Osimhen’s omission comes just days after the Nigerian striker scored and provided an assist in Galatasaray’s 3–1 league victory over Alanyaspor at the weekend.
Galatasaray are set to play six matches in 19 days, including a high-profile Champions League round-of-16 tie against Liverpool. They are also pushing for a fourth consecutive league title and recently secured passage to the Champions League knockout phase after a dramatic encounter with Juventus.
Speaking after Saturday’s win, Osimhen urged his teammates to remain disciplined as the season enters a defining stretch.
The cup fixture will be followed by a crucial away derby against Beşiktaş, a match that could significantly influence the title race, with Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor waiting to capitalise on any misstep.
Galatasaray will then host Liverpool before travelling to Anfield for the decisive second leg of their Champions League showdown.
“The Beşiktaş match is a very critical one,” Osimhen told the club’s official website.
“We’re taking it one match at a time. They are a high-quality team, but so are we. We’re going there for three points.
“First Beşiktaş, then Liverpool — but we must not forget the cup match either. There are many matches still to play before the end of the season.”
