Manchester City host Galatasaray at Etihad Stadium in Manchester on 28 January 2026, with kickoff at 20:00 UTC in the UEFA Champions League League Stage - 8. City sit 11th in the overall table on 13 points, while Galatasaray are 17th with 10 points, both still firmly in the play-off picture.
Manchester City Availability
City face significant absences. In defence, Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi, Joško Gvardiol and John Stones are all ruled out, weakening the core of the back line. In midfield, Mateo Kovačić, Kalvin Phillips and key anchor Rodri are unavailable, the latter through suspension, while Oscar Bobb and Savinho miss out in more advanced roles. Antoine Semenyo is also listed as inactive, and Nico González is doubtful with an injury concern. Despite this, the attacking spearhead Erling Haaland, who has scored 6 goals in 7 Champions League appearances this season, is fit, supported by creative midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who has provided 3 assists in the competition.
Galatasaray Availability
Galatasaray’s issues are more concentrated in depth and youth options. Yaser Asprilla, Gökdeniz Gürpüz and Kadir Karataş are unavailable, along with attacker Noa Lang and young defender A. Ünyay, while Mert Baltacı is suspended. Crucially, their main attacking threat Victor Osimhen, with 6 goals in 5 Champions League matches this season, is available to lead the line.
Impact Summary
Both sides are missing several squad players, but Manchester City’s injuries hit core defensive and midfield structures harder. However, City still retain Haaland’s 6-goal firepower and Reijnders’ 3 assists, while Galatasaray can rely on Osimhen’s 6 goals. The balance of available attacking output remains strong for both teams, with City’s depth more severely tested.
