İsmail Kartal on Lukaku ahead of Lyon match: He will be in the squad

Fenerbahçe will host Lyon at Chobani Stadyumu in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round. Ahead of the crucial match, Head Coach İsmail Kartal and national team player Kerem Aktürkoğlu answered reporters' questions at a press conference. One of the most notable topics of the conference was the physical condition of new signing Romelu Lukaku.

Kartal spoke very positively about the Belgian striker, describing Lukaku as a positive, hardworking and professional footballer. The experienced coach noted that the player is not yet 100 percent ready but will be included in tomorrow's matchday squad. Kartal added that Lukaku has no excess weight and that the only issue is a lack of stamina, which will be resolved within a few weeks. He emphasized that whether Lukaku will actually play would depend on how the match unfolds.

Stating that they had closely analyzed their opponent Lyon, Kartal said the French side has an organized and athletic squad. Responding to a question about his choice at center forward, Kartal said he was pleased with Talisca's performance, while Vedat Muriç is about 70 percent ready. Kartal added that Ederson could also be included in the squad and that final decisions would become clear after the tactical training session.

Speaking at the press conference, Kerem Aktürkoğlu highlighted the importance of the first 90 minutes in the two-legged tie, saying their priority is to secure an advantage for the second match. Reflecting on their Süper Lig season opener, a loss to Gençlerbirliği, the national team player said they had learned the necessary lessons and want to show a reaction against Lyon. Kerem stated that he sees the pressure of playing for a big club as an opportunity, adding that he trusts his teammates and the coaching staff.