Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has openly acknowledged that his team felt the absence of Victor Osimhen during their hard-earned 1-0 home victory over Kocaelispor in the Turkish Süper Lig.

Centre-back Abdulkerim Bardakci proved the difference on the night, netting the decisive goal with 19 minutes remaining to secure all three points for the Istanbul club.

Osimhen sat out for the second successive match after sustaining an injury in Galatasaray's 3-2 win over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4. The Nigerian striker's absence was felt throughout the contest as the home side laboured to break down their opponents.

Buruk on Osimhen's influence

Reflecting on the performance, Buruk was candid about what the team loses when Osimhen is unavailable — both on the pitch and in the psychological weight he carries for opponents.