Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk is expected to start Baris Alper Yilmaz in place of Victor Osimhen for the club's Champions League opener against Sporting CP.
The decision follows Osimhen's injury during Friday's league match, with Turkish outlet Milliyet reporting that Yilmaz is lined up to lead the attack in Lisbon.
Osimhen suffered the problem in Galatasaray's 3-2 away win over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday, September 5. The Nigerian striker opened the scoring in the 13th minute after a pass from Lucas Torreira, but was forced off before halftime with groin discomfort.
He received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Yilmaz in the 33rd minute. After the match, Buruk confirmed the injury and said the forward would undergo further medical examinations. "Osimhen is also feeling something today. We need to see how things go," Buruk said, adding that the groin area is prone to injury but typically heals faster than a hamstring injury.
The change comes just days before Galatasaray's European campaign begins. The Turkish champions will face Sporting CP on Tuesday, September 9, at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon in the first round of the league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
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