PSG vs Barcelona injury news has turned the biggest night of Champions League Matchday 3 into a defensive scramble. Barcelona will be without Jules Koundé and Eric García, PSG will be without Nuno Mendes, and kick-off at the Parc des Princes is 8pm UK time. Two heavyweights and three missing defenders means plenty of space for the stars. Here is everything you need to know.
Who Is Out for PSG vs Barcelona?
García has a thigh injury that rules him out for three to four weeks, so he misses tonight and Sunday’s Clásico. Koundé sprained his ankle in the same game and will be assessed before the Real Madrid showdown. Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji also remain out. On the other side, PSG say Mendes injured his left thigh in the win at Strasbourg and will be out for the next few weeks.
Barcelona’s Right-Back Problem
This is the headline. Hansi Flick has lost both players he used at right-back this season, though João Cancelo and Xavi Espart, both used on the left, can cover, as could Alejandro Balde. The projected lineup has Espart at right-back and Cancelo at left-back. That is a patched-up back line facing Ousmane Dembélé and company.
PSG Lose Their Left-Flank Engine
Mendes is more than a defender. He helps PSG build from the back, accelerates down the left and supports attacks.
Lucas Digne is projected to replace him, with Lucas Hernández the other option. One report called his absence a clear relief for Barcelona’s attack.
With Lamine Yamal in the opposition ranks, Digne has a long night ahead.
Raphinha Is Back
Barca get one boost. Raphinha is fit again. He is projected to lead the line between Yamal and Anthony Gordon.
Form Guide: A Goal Fest Loading
Both teams have six points and a +7 goal difference. PSG won 4-2 at Manchester City, while Barcelona won 4-1 at Galatasaray. Barca have scored at least three goals in each of their last nine matches, but PSG have managed just one clean sheet in their last six. Bookmakers could not separate the two sides before kick-off.
Our Take: Whoever Defends Less Badly Wins
With both defences weakened, expect chaos. Previews are split: Sports Illustrated predicts a 4-3 win for PSG, while Yahoo Sports goes for a 3-2 win for Barcelona. The tie to watch is Yamal against whoever PSG put at left-back. Barcelona’s attack looks set to test the Parisian rearguard repeatedly.
What Happens Next?
The injuries do not end tonight. Barcelona face Real Madrid in Sunday’s Clásico, and Koundé’s fitness is the big question mark. Flick must balance risk against a packed week.
The Bottom Line
PSG vs Barcelona injury news points to one thing: goals. Who is your man of the match? Share your score prediction in the comments, and follow ShapHub Sport Blog for full-time reaction.
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