Galatasaray Confirm Sporting CP Squad as Four Players Miss Champions League Opener
Galatasaray have revealed their 21-man squad for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League main-phase opener against Sporting CP at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade. Okan Buruk’s team will begin its European campaign with a demanding away fixture, but the Turkish champions must cope without four players who remain unavailable because of injury.
The most notable absence is Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker picked up a groin problem during domestic action last week and has not recovered in time to make the trip to Portugal. His omission removes Galatasaray’s most direct threat in the final third and leaves Buruk with an important decision to make regarding his attacking setup.
Mario Lemina is also missing after suffering a muscle tear. The midfielder’s absence could affect Galatasaray’s balance, particularly against a Sporting side expected to control possession and apply pressure through the centre of the pitch.
Defender Wilfried Singo has been ruled out as well, while reserve goalkeeper Günay Güvenç completes the list of injured players unavailable for selection. With four members of the squad left behind, Buruk has been forced to adjust both his matchday plans and the depth of his bench.
Galatasaray’s travelling squad
Goalkeepers: Uğurcan Çakır, Jankat Yılmaz, Enes Emre Büyük
Defenders: Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Davinson Sánchez, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Eren Elmalı, Ismail Jakobs, Roland Sallai
Midfielders: İlkay Gündoğan, Lucas Torreira, Gabriel Sara, Lesley Ugochukwu, Aleksey Batrakov, Renato Nhaga, Berat Luş
Forwards: Rafael Leão, Leroy Sané, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Yunus Akgün, Deniz Gül
The squad still contains considerable quality despite the injury setbacks. Rafael Leão and Leroy Sané provide pace, creativity and one-on-one ability from wide positions, while İlkay Gündoğan and Lucas Torreira offer experience in midfield. Their performances could be particularly important in an away match where Galatasaray may need to withstand long periods without the ball.
Deniz Gül set for a bigger role
With Osimhen unavailable, Deniz Gül is expected to receive greater responsibility in attack. The young forward may be asked to lead the line or operate as part of a flexible front three. His movement, pressing and ability to link play will be closely monitored, especially if Sporting’s defenders attempt to push Galatasaray away from the penalty area.
Barış Alper Yılmaz is another player likely to become more influential. His physical strength and versatility allow him to play on either flank, through the middle or in a deeper attacking role. That flexibility gives Buruk several options if the match demands a tactical change.
Yunus Akgün could also play an important part in breaking down Sporting’s defensive structure. His close control and ability to move between the lines may provide Galatasaray with a different attacking route from the direct running of Leão and Sané.
Midfield battle could decide the contest
Lemina’s absence increases the importance of Galatasaray’s remaining midfielders. Torreira is likely to shoulder much of the defensive workload, while Gündoğan may be tasked with dictating tempo and helping the team play through Sporting’s press.
Gabriel Sara can add forward passing and late movement around the box, but Galatasaray will need to maintain their shape when possession changes hands. Sporting are capable of attacking quickly, meaning turnovers in central areas could create immediate danger.
The presence of Lesley Ugochukwu gives Buruk an additional physically strong option. Depending on the game state, he could be introduced to protect the defence, win second balls and provide greater resistance against Sporting’s midfield runners.
Defensive organisation becomes essential
Without Singo, Galatasaray have fewer options in defence, placing additional responsibility on Davinson Sánchez and Abdülkerim Bardakcı. Their communication and positioning will be crucial against Sporting’s mobile forwards.
The visiting side may also need to defend crosses and set pieces carefully. A disciplined back line, supported by Torreira and the wide players, could help limit Sporting’s ability to create clear chances from sustained pressure.
At goalkeeper, Uğurcan Çakır is expected to be the leading option, with Jankat Yılmaz and Enes Emre Büyük providing cover. The absence of Günay Güvenç reduces experience among the substitutes but does not remove Galatasaray’s ability to field a recognised goalkeeper.
A difficult European test
Sporting CP’s home advantage will make the opening fixture particularly challenging. Galatasaray must manage the atmosphere, avoid conceding early and remain compact when Sporting increase the tempo. An organised start could allow the visitors to grow into the contest and exploit space on the counterattack.
The Turkish side’s best route to a positive result may involve combining defensive discipline with quick transitions. Leão and Sané can punish exposed full-backs, while Barış Alper and Deniz Gül may be asked to attack spaces behind the home defence.
Buruk’s substitutions could prove decisive. With several players capable of operating in different positions, Galatasaray can alter their shape during the match without necessarily changing personnel. However, the reduced attacking depth means the starting lineup must make an immediate impact.
Despite the absences of Osimhen, Lemina, Singo and Güvenç, Galatasaray travel to Lisbon with a squad containing substantial experience and attacking talent. The Champions League opener will test their depth, tactical discipline and ability to adapt under pressure.