Champions League QFs: injury and suspension update for Barcelona and PSG
Gavi and Alejandro Balde are the main absentees for Barça, while 10 players are a booking away from missing the semi-final first leg.
The action continues to come thick and fast in the Champions League, with the quarter-final second legs taking place just a week after the first. The results of last week’s games means it’s anyone guess as to which four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, with all four ties evenly poised going into the upcoming second legs. That includes Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain, who will meet at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc on Tuesday.
Xavi Hernández’s side secured an impressive 3-2 win in the French capital in the first leg, with Raphinha opening the scoring and then levelling after PSG had turned things around. Substitute Andreas Christensen then headed in a winning goal a matter of seconds after coming onto the field.
It was an eventful 15-minute cameo for the Dane, who not only scored the winner but also picked up a yellow card, which means he will miss Tuesday’s second leg due to suspension. Club captain Sergi Roberto also suffered the same fate, his first-half booking ruling him out of the return game.
Long-term injury victim Gavi (crucial ligament tear) isn’t expected to play again until next season, while Alejandro Balde (tendon rupture) could also be absent until 2024/25. Xavi, however, doesn’t have any new injury worries to deal with.
There is also good news for PSG boss Luis Enrique, who is able to welcome Achraf Hakimi back into his squad after he completed a one-game ban in the first leg. The Moroccan will come into the team at right-back, which should see Marquinhos move back into central defence.
Defender Nordi Mukiele is available again after a recent head injury,
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