Galatasaray v Man Utd: Hosts hit with double injury blow ahead of crucial Champions League clash

Manchester United’s Champions League hopes remain in the balance as they make the trip to face Turkish champions Galatasaray in a crucial encounter.

The three-time European champions need to avenge their home defeat at Old Trafford to boost their hopes of qualification ahead of a group stage finale with Bayern Munich next month.

Erik Ten Hag’s men sit fourth in Group A with three points from their opening four games against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen twice and tomorrow’s opponents Galatasaray.

In that period they have conceded 11 goals and hold the unwanted distinction of being the first team in history to concede a spotkick in all four of their opening group stage matches. Their only victory remains to be a 1-0 win over Copenhagen which was secured by a last-minute penalty save by Andre Onana. Although, they fell to new lows in the reverse fixture with a 4-3 loss as Marcus Rashford saw red.

However, the Red Devils have shown signs of rejuvenating their season with improved form in the league and the latest team news from Turkey could also come as a much needed boost. One key absentee for Galatasaray appears to be former Tottenham defender Davison Sanchez. 

The Colombian international, who played in the Premier League for five years, has started eight games in the Turkish Super Liga this season as his team sit joint top with Fenerbahce with 34 points from 11 games.

Sanchez offers great pace to the backline which will be needed to contain the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund. However, it appears increasingly likely that the 27-year-old will miss the game due a strain in his upper left rear muscle, as per Turkish publication Sabah.

The outlet reveals that manager Okar Buruk is dealing with an injury crisis at the back as the team could also be without defensive partner Abdulkerim Bardakci. The 29-year-old, who was involved in 30 league games last season, faces a late fitness test in the run-up to the showdown at RAMS Park.

United are without Rashford for the clash and will be reliant on both Hojlund and Anthony Martial in attack. Teenage prospect Alejandro Garnacho will also hope to make an impression in Europe’s elite competition after his goal of the season contender against Everton last time out.