Barcelona’s build-up to one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season has been overshadowed by a mounting injury list. The club confirmed earlier this week that Joan Garcia and Raphinha will not feature in the clash at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The absence of the winger is especially frustrating for Hansi Flick, given his importance in attack.
The Catalans will also be without two midfielders, Gavi and Fermin Lopez, both unavailable for selection. Their absence further reduces Flick’s options in the middle of the park and forces the coach to shuffle his squad in search of balance. The setbacks mean that Barcelona enter the contest against the reigning European champions without four first-team regulars.
PSG’s mounting problems
Paris Saint-Germain are no better off, with Luis Enrique facing a similar selection crisis ahead of his return to Catalonia. The Spanish manager is already preparing to travel without Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos and Joao Neves, three players who would have been expected to start in a fixture of this magnitude. Fabian Ruiz and Desire Doue are also doubtful, leaving question marks over their involvement.
Adding to the difficulties, PSG picked up two fresh concerns during their Ligue 1 victory over Auxerre. Midfielder Vitinha and forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia both sustained injuries in the game and their chances of making the trip to Barcelona remain uncertain. The timing of these blows could not be worse, as both players are central to Enrique’s plans.
Enrique’s reaction
Speaking after the win in France, Enrique admitted the latest injuries were far from encouraging. He declined to provide specifics, explaining that PSG’s medical staff would need until Sunday or Monday to confirm the extent of the damage. “It’s not a positive thing,” he said, though he urged patience until a clear diagnosis is available.
The coach acknowledged the disappointment of losing important squad members so close to a marquee European tie. Enrique stressed that the situation was not unique, pointing out that both PSG and Barcelona are coping with at least five or six unavailable players. “It’s a shame for Hansi Flick and for the fans of both teams,” he added.
A contest overshadowed
What was set to be a clash filled with top-level talent may now be shaped by the players who are absent rather than those on the pitch. For supporters, the absence of stars such as Dembele, Vitinha, Kvaratskhelia, Raphinha, and Gavi represents a major blow to the spectacle.
While Barcelona would hardly complain about PSG missing key attacking threats, Flick’s side are themselves weakened significantly. Both clubs now face the challenge of adjusting line-ups and tactics in order to compete at the highest level, in what remains one of the standout fixtures of the Champions League group stage.