Rafael Leao’s first weeks at Galatasaray have brought another concern, with the former Milan forward forced off after coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 league win away to Genclerbirligi in Ankara.
An early interruption in Ankara
Galatasaray secured the points late in the match, but Leao’s afternoon ended before the final whistle. Okan Buruk introduced the Portuguese attacker in the 61st minute, replacing Leroy Sane, only to take him off again 16 minutes later for Gul.
The change was not a tactical decision. Leao had suffered a groin problem and was unable to continue, adding an unwanted setback to a difficult beginning in Istanbul.
- Galatasaray won 1-0 at Genclerbirligi.
- Leao began the match among the substitutes.
- He entered in the 61st minute in place of Sane.
- Gul replaced him in the 77th minute after the groin issue emerged.
A scoreless start after leaving Milan
Leao is still waiting for his first Galatasaray goal. He has made seven appearances for the club without finding the net: five in the league and two in the Champions League.
It is a contrast with his recent standing in the Portugal squad, where he was handed Cristiano Ronaldo’s number 7 shirt after Ronaldo left the national-team camp. At club level, however, the opening chapter has offered little continuity, and the extent of the latest injury will determine how quickly he can settle.
A demanding end to October
Galatasaray now face a sequence of fixtures that will test their options in attack, particularly if Leao’s absence proves more than brief. The club have three significant matches scheduled before the end of the month.
- Wednesday 21 October: Lille away in European competition.
- Monday 26 October: Fenerbahce at home in the league.
- Friday 30 October: Konyaspor away in the league.
For Buruk, the immediate question is whether Leao can recover in time to contribute to that run. For the player, the priority is to put a stop to an unsettled start and begin building the influence expected of a forward arriving after his years in Serie A with Milan.
