Galatasaray confirm injury blow ahead of Champions League fixture vs Manchester United

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has confirmed that centre-back Davinson Sanchez will miss this evening's Champions League clash against Manchester United at Rams Park through injury.

The Colombian, who joined the Turkish giants from Tottenham Hotspur in September, was forced off in Saturday's 4-0 win over Alanyaspor. He was withdrawn after 79 minutes and was replaced by Danish international Victor Nelsson.

Sanchez, 27, has started three of Galatasaray's four Champions League games so far this season, including their 3-2 triumph over United at Old Trafford last month. He claimed two assists that evening to help the Turkish outfit secure a historic victory.

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A key figure in Buruk's plans since joining the club, his presence at the heart of the defence is likely to be sorely missed. However, it is a scenario they are going to be forced to adapt to, with him facing up to three weeks on the sidelines.

"Sanchez does not have the condition to play with injection therapy," said Buruk, addressing the media at his pre-match press conference. "We expect him to return to the team in two or three weeks."

Elsewhere, a late call is poised to be made on fellow defender Abdulkerim Bardakci, who missed the weekend's win. Like Sanchez, he has been a regular fixture for Galatasaray so far this season.

Buruk continued: "We will try Abdulkerim in training. If it is positive, he will be on the field."

Meanwhile, Buruk, who has been in charge of Galatasaray since June 2022, has hinted that he expects to come up against a different United team to the one his side faced at Old Trafford on October 3.

"Our opponent has