Fenerbahçe SK will be without Marco Asensio for their opening Devler Ligi match against Roma due to injury. The Spanish star's absence is a significant blow to manager İsmail Kartal's preparations for the important European fixture. According to a report by Fotomac on September 8, 2026, the Turkish club will miss three key players for the encounter. The team currently sits 9th in the Süper Lig with 6 points from 4 matches, their recent form reading LWWL. They trail leaders Galatasaray by 4 points in the early title race.
Which players are missing against Roma?
Alongside Marco Asensio, right-back Mert Müldür is also sidelined with an injury. Midfielder Guendouzi is suspended and will not be available for selection. The absence of this trio forces Kartal to rethink his tactical approach. Other players currently listed on the club's squad page as unavailable include Jayden Oosterwolde and Mattéo Guendouzi. Guendouzi's suspension further complicates the midfield options.
İsmail Kartal aims to start the European campaign with three points despite these setbacks. The team experienced offensive issues in their previous derby match against Beşiktaş, problems they cannot afford to repeat on the continental stage. Kartal's training sessions have reportedly focused on defensive and midfield organization. Looking at their league stats, Fenerbahçe SK has scored 8 goals and conceded 6, giving them a +2 goal difference.
Who will replace Guendouzi?
İsmail Yüksek is set to step into the midfield in place of the suspended Guendouzi. Yüksek is one of the players who will need to take on greater responsibility this season. Mert Müldür's absence at right-back will provide an opportunity for another player in that position. How Kartal balances these changes is not yet clear. The latest injury updates can be followed on the club's injuries page.
Fenerbahçe's performance in this match could be an indicator for the rest of their season. Success in European competitions is among the club's priorities this year. Marco Asensio's absence requires the offensive load to be shared among other players. The team needs more consistent results to climb the Süper Lig table, as visible on the standings page.
When is the team's next fixture?
Following the Roma match, Fenerbahçe SK will travel to face Başakşehir in the Süper Lig on December 6, 2026. Başakşehir currently occupies 12th place in the league table. This fixture will present an important opportunity for the team to strengthen their domestic position. The full match schedule is available on the fixtures page. İsmail Kartal's squad must manage the challenges of competing on both European and domestic fronts simultaneously.
