Galatasaray is preparing for their UEFA Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon with significant injury concerns. The Turkish champions will face the Portuguese side at Jose Alvalade Stadium on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, with a 22:00 TSİ kick-off, officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas.
According to a report by Sabah Spor, the reigning Süper Lig title holders will be without three key players for their European opener. Striker Victor Osimhen, midfielder Mario Lemina and defender Wilfried Singo are all sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, Kaan Ayhan, Arda Ünyay, Kazımcan Karataş, Eyüp Aydın and Can Armando Güner were not included in the UEFA squad list and are ineligible for this match.
Which players could make their debut?
Another name on the injury list, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, might get his first chance to play for Galatasaray. The 21-year-old French centre-back, on loan from Leipzig, is among manager Okan Buruk's defensive options. Galatasaray, unbeaten in their first four league matches and leading the Süper Lig with 10 points, could make changes to their backline. The team's current injury situation can be tracked on our injuries page.
Last season's quarter-finalists Sporting also boast a strong squad. The 2024-25 Portuguese Liga champions have strengthened their defense with players like Gonçalo Inacio, Zeno Debast and Eduardo Quaresma. Up front, Luis Suarez, who has scored 4 league goals this season, poses a threat. Looking at Galatasaray's history against Portuguese opponents, Deniz Gül has played 5 matches against Sporting, while Renato Nhaga has faced them twice.
What is Galatasaray's Champions League history?
This season marks Galatasaray's 19th appearance in the Champions League. Their greatest achievement in the competition remains winning the title in the 1999-2000 season during their previous 18 participations. Manager Okan Buruk will lead an experienced squad in European competition. The team's early season form is promising; having scored 12 goals and conceded 6, they lead the Süper Lig by 1 point ahead of Beşiktaş with a +6 goal difference. The current standings clearly show this advantage.
Former Sporting player Rafael Leao provides another connection to this fixture. Leao played for the Portuguese club between 2012 and 2018 before transferring to Lille for approximately 20 million euros. Ahead of the match, fans are curious about Galatasaray's full squad details.
When is the next fixture?
Following their Champions League opener, Galatasaray's focus will shift back to domestic competition. The yellow-reds will host Rizespor, currently 11th in the table, on 6 December 2026. Balancing European and league matches during the first half of the season will be an important test for Okan Buruk. Detailed performance data is available on the team's stats page.
