GS’s Marcao, Luyindama to miss FB derby

The Lions will be without their two central defenders in the upcoming Intercontinental derby.

After defeating Malatyaspor 3-0 on Saturday evening, Galatasaray have shifted their focus to the upcoming away derby against their arch-rivals, Fenerbahce.

Despite being in better form than their opponents, the Super Lig title hopefuls will be without two of their centre-backs.

Speaking to reporters in the post-game press conference after their victory against Malatyaspor, Fatih Terim confirmed the duos absences.

“We have a derby next week. None of us want to weaken one of our strongest areas but that’s how it is. Luyindama and Marcao won’t be with us next week but we are not going to cry about it,” he said

Marcao received a yellow card in the 70th minute against Malatyaspor on Saturday evening which means he has accumulated enough yellow cards that have earned him an automatic one-game suspension.

Luyindama, on the other hand, was sent off in the firt leg of the Turkish Cup semi-final against Malatyaspor last week which means the player will serve a one-game ban in the club’s next competitive fixture.

The Turkish coach hinted he could select Semih Kaya to replace one of the defenders and is also hopeful of Yuto Nagatomo’s return.

“I also missed Yuto. He is working hard. His professionalism is very good. Time is running out but hopefully he will be ready. He is working with the fitness coaches currently. God willing, he will be with us,” Terim said.