Galatasaray face Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday night knowing victory could lift them into the Champions League’s top eight, but the build-up has been dominated by uncertainty over the fitness of star striker Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian remains a major doubt after sustaining an injury on international duty last week. His potential absence is significant: Galatasaray have won three matches in the competition this season, and Osimhen has scored in all three.
The Super Eagles star delivered the winner in the dramatic victory over Liverpool, struck twice against Bodo/Glimt, and produced a blistering hat-trick in the 3-0 demolition of Ajax.
Tellingly, Osimhen did not feature in the only Champions League match the Turkish giants have lost this term.
While there is a slim chance he could make the bench, Galatasaray may be unwilling to risk him, particularly against a Union Saint-Gilloise side who have lost their last three European matches. Mauro Icardi is expected to lead the line in his absence, supported by the depth and pace of Leroy Sané and Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Yet despite Osimhen’s injury, Union SG boss David Hubert insists Galatasaray remain a severe threat.
Speaking to UEFA.com, David Hubert said: “If [Victor] Osimhen isn't there, then there's Barış Alper Yılmaz, there's Mauro Icardi, there's Leroy Sané. There are other Galatasaray players we need to stop.”
Osimhen joined Galatasaray this summer in a historic transfer from Napoli, a move that shattered the Turkish transfer record and signalled the club’s ambition to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite. His arrival was celebrated internally as much as it was by supporters.
Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi is convinced that his own arrival in Istanbul played a key role in the recent inflow of top stars to the club.
“Galatasaray has been a very big club historically, but in recent years everyone here has worked to improve,” Icardi said.
“We've reached where we are now. We're one of the best clubs in Europe. That's what matters. Players like Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sané, previously unthinkable, have arrived. It's a great pride and honour for me to have contributed to this.”
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Galatasaray eye rare European milestone as Union SG seek revival
Galatasaray’s resurgence in Europe has been one of the stories of the season.
Since their heavy 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday one, Okan Buruk’s side have responded with three straight wins, already matching their tally from their previous 33 Champions League group-stage fixtures combined.
A fourth consecutive victory would be historic: Galatasaray have never managed such a run in the Champions League proper.
Rams Park has been central to their momentum. The stadium has become one of Europe’s most intimidating venues, with the team unbeaten there since August 2024. Two Champions League wins this season reinforce that strength, and victory on Tuesday would give them three home wins in the same European campaign for the first time since their 2000-01 quarter-final run.
This will be the first competitive meeting between Galatasaray and Union SG. Still, history warns caution: the Turkish side have never beaten Belgian opposition in Europe, recording four draws and four defeats. All three home matches against Belgian teams in the Champions League have also ended level.
Union SG, meanwhile, arrive in inconsistent European form. Heavy defeats to Newcastle, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid have undone the momentum of their opening-day win over PSV. Yet domestically they remain strong, topping the Belgian First Division and winning four of their last six matches in all competitions.
Their last two European victories have also come away from home, a detail that will give them quiet hope of causing an upset in Istanbul.
