Okan Buruk faces tough call as Senegal international Ismail Jakobs nears surprise return from injury

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has admitted he may be forced to field defender Ismail Jakobs against Monaco in the Champions League despite the Senegal international not having fully recovered from a recent calf injury.

Jakobs was expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks after limping off early in the second half of Galatasaray’s defeat to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on 25 November.

Yet the left-back’s rapid return to training has prompted the Turkish club to include him in the travelling squad for Tuesday night’s group-stage match at the Stade Louis II.

Speaking to the media on Monday evening, Buruk acknowledged that Jakobs’ condition remains uncertain but revealed that the club’s defensive shortages have left him with little choice but to consider using the player.

“Perhaps we’re not resting the players who need it. We’re playing injured players, Buruk told reporters. We tried to get Ismail Jakobs to train today, but we know he’s not 100%. But we might have to play him, even at the risk of a relapse.”

He continued,“Sometimes people say and think we play injured players, but I have to protect them. Because sometimes we have to play them, we have to take those risks, but in a way that doesn’t harm their health.”

His comments mark a notable shift from his earlier stance, when he insisted that Jakobs and Ivorian defender Singo were not fit to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The player’s unexpected reappearance has sparked renewed debate about whether he will ultimately be available for Senegal’s AFCON campaign, which begins in January.

Galatasaray sit fourth in their Champions League group and are pushing for a result that could revive their qualification hopes.

But heavy absences in defence have intensified the pressure on the coaching staff, making Jakobs’ early return an appealing—though potentially hazardous—option.

“We’re in a delicate situation, but Jakobs will be in the squad, Buruk said. We’ll assess his condition before the match, of course, but he’s with us for the moment. Will Jakobs start? We’ll make a decision about him. His absence has been sorely felt.”

Jakobs, 26, spent part of his early professional career at Monaco, adding emotional weight to his possible appearance.

His presence in the squad, even if limited, offers Galatasaray reassurance at a time when squad depth is thin and the stakes are rising.

With Senegal following the developments closely, Buruk’s handling of the defender could influence not only Galatasaray’s European hopes but also Jakobs’ availability for next year’s continental tournament.