Galatasaray's Midfield Rotation Expands: Lemina Prepares for Return
While Mario Lemina is expected to be fit for the Kasımpaşa match, the returns of Lesley Ugochukwu and Renato Nhaga from international duty could increase Okan Buruk's midfield options.
According to a report by Milliyet, Mario Lemina is expected to be ready for the Kasımpaşa match. The time spent by Lesley Ugochukwu and Renato Nhaga in their national team camps could also ease the burden on the coaching staff.
Ugochukwu played 90 minutes for France U21 in their away match against Iceland. Nhaga, on the other hand, was on the field for 70 minutes in Guinea-Bissau's 2-0 victory over Tanzania. It is also reported that İlkay Gündoğan is working with high motivation to get more playing time.
Lemina has played 221 minutes in four league matches this season, with an average rating of 6.82. So far, İlkay has only featured in one league match, for six minutes. Therefore, the competition that will arise after the international break will depend more on which player can find their rhythm faster than on the names in the squad.
Mario Lemina's 2026/27 statistics
4 matches
221 minutes
6.82 average rating
0.41 key passes per 90 minutes
Mario Lemina's player profile and season statistics
İlkay Gündoğan's player profile
Galatasaray's squad, form, and team statistics
Source: Milliyet, September 29, 2026.
