'Irrelevant to us' – Frankfurt coach insists Osimhen's absence for Galatasaray is no big deal

Eintracht Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller has downplayed the importance of Victor Osimhen missing Thursday's UEFA Champions League clash at Deutsche Bank Park.

Galatasaray confirmed that Osimhen has been left out of their travelling squad to Frankfurt due to an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

The striker also missed the recent league fixture against Eyupspor, leaving Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk without a key attacking option.

Toppmöller insisted his side are focused solely on their own game plan, regardless of the Nigerian’s availability.

"He’s an absolutely exceptional striker in Europe. His replacement, Mauro Icardi, has also proven he can score goals," Toppmoller said at Wednesday’s press conference.

"In the end, it doesn’t matter who plays up front. Of course, the way he plays makes a difference, because Osimhen attacks more from deep.

"Whether he plays or not is irrelevant to us. Both teams will have eleven top players on the pitch tomorrow."

Osimhen has fond memories of facing Frankfurt, having scored three times against them for Napoli in the 2022–23 Champions League campaign.

Attention is expected to turn to Mauro Icardi, who could be tasked with leading the line in Osimhen's absence.

In total, the Argentinian striker has netted 11 times in 25 Champions League appearances for Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Galatasaray.

So far this season, Icardi has three goals in four matches for the Lion. 
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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