Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen will miss the UEFA Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar due to suspension but will return for the second leg

Galatasaray will be without star striker **Victor Osimhen** for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff against **AZ Alkmaar** due to suspension.

The **Nigerian international** received his third booking of the competition during Galatasaray’s **2-1 defeat to Ajax** last month, ruling him out of the crucial tie against the Dutch side.

Despite his absence, Osimhen will be available for the **reverse fixture next week at RAMS Park**, where Galatasaray will look to secure their spot in the next round. The **26-year-old forward** has been a key player in their European campaign, scoring **four goals** so far in the competition.

Galatasaray manager **Okan Buruk** acknowledged the challenges posed by Osimhen’s absence but expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to perform.

**“We have important absences, there are suspended players, I have injured players. We did not come here with a very large squad, but I trust the 11 that will start.

I trust our friends who will continue. Hopefully, we will try to gain a significant advantage for the second match,”** Buruk stated via the club’s official website.

With a crucial fixture ahead, **Galatasaray will rely on their attacking depth** to compensate for Osimhen’s absence as they aim for a strong first-leg result against AZ Alkmaar.