Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray prepare for derby as key players return from injury

Fenerbahçe coach İsmail Kartal is finalizing his starting eleven for the derby against Galatasaray on October 26. He plans to play Mason Greenwood again in the number 10 position, as he did against Slavia Prag. Greenwood is expected to deliver attacking quality despite some defensive shortcomings.

On the wings, Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Oğuz Aydın are expected to start. The central defensive pairing remains uncertain, with Milan Skriniar set to play while Nathan Aké is out for three weeks due to injury. Kartal will decide Skriniar's partner based on training performances.

“Greenwood is a productive and quality player. He may have some defensive shortcomings. Our expectation from him is to show his attacking quality.”

Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım is scheduled to visit the Samandıra Can Bartu Facilities on Sunday, October 25. He will watch the final training session and dine with the players and technical staff to emphasize the derby's importance.

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk received positive injury news before the match. Wilfried Singo has returned to team training, and Victor Osimhen has rejoined the squad after the 4-2 Champions League win over Lille.

Rafael Leão is also recovering faster than expected from his treatment program and may play in the derby. Barış Alper Yılmaz trained with the team despite adductor pain felt during the Lille match, though a last-minute squad change remains possible if his pain worsens.