The upcoming Champions League blockbuster between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Barcelona has already been billed as one of the season’s most anticipated matches. However, both teams are facing mounting injury concerns that could drastically shape the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
Barcelona’s Absences: Flick Without Key Stars
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is already dealing with a depleted squad. Joan Garcia and Raphinha have been ruled out of the group stage clash at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. In addition, Gavi and Fermin López are unavailable, leaving the Catalans short on creativity and attacking depth. Despite these setbacks, Barcelona will look to capitalize on home advantage and their strong form in Europe.
PSG’s Mounting Injury Crisis
For PSG, the injury situation has gone from bad to worse. On Friday, the reigning European champions confirmed that club captain Marquinhos has sustained a left thigh injury and will undergo treatment over the next few weeks.
The 31-year-old Brazilian defender played the full 90 minutes in PSG’s 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Marseille on Monday, a match in which he also scored an unfortunate own goal. The club did not specify when Marquinhos suffered the injury, and when contacted by AFP, PSG officials did not immediately comment.
This comes as another devastating blow for Luis Enrique, who is already without João Neves, Desire Doué, and recent Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. The growing list of unavailable players is becoming a major concern with the Champions League clash against Barcelona looming.
Luis Enrique Speaks on Injury Concerns
Following PSG’s recent win over Auxerre in Ligue 1, Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also picked up knocks. Their status remains unclear, with Enrique admitting after the game:
“I can’t say anything because it’s not positive news. But we have to wait for what the medical staff will say this Sunday or Monday to know what kind of injuries they both have. We always have to be positive. It’s a shame to have injuries before a game like this with Barcelona. Both teams have five or six injured players who won’t be able to play. It’s also a shame for Hansi Flick and for the fans of both teams.”
Small Positives for PSG: Barcola Returns
There was, however, some relief for PSG supporters as Bradley Barcola returned to training on Friday after missing the Marseille clash due to muscle fatigue. He is expected to be available for PSG’s Ligue 1 meeting with Auxerre this weekend, a crucial match before hosting Barcelona at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
What This Means for the Champions League Clash
The potential absence of leaders like Marquinhos and attacking threats such as Dembélé, Vitinha, and Kvaratskhelia could severely weaken PSG. Barcelona, while also dealing with their own injuries, may now sense an opportunity to take control in the group.
PSG’s backline, already vulnerable after the departure of key defenders in recent years, will be tested further without Marquinhos’ presence. His leadership, aerial dominance, and organizational skills are central to PSG’s defensive structure.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will aim to exploit these weaknesses with their young talents and quick attacking transitions. Flick’s side may see this as the perfect chance to strike against a wounded European champion.
Fans and Neutral Viewers Disappointed
While the injuries may play in Barcelona’s favor, many football fans will be disappointed not to see some of the world’s biggest stars on the pitch. A matchup of this magnitude deserves to showcase the very best players, and the absence of multiple world-class names reduces some of the spectacle.
Upcoming Schedule for PSG
- PSG vs Auxerre – Ligue 1 (Weekend before UCL)
- PSG vs Barcelona – Champions League (Wednesday)
- Lille vs PSG – Ligue 1 (October 5)
These matches will be crucial in determining how PSG cope without several of their stars and whether Luis Enrique can find tactical solutions to compensate for the missing players.
