Nuno Mendes and Akliouche uncertain for PSG-Barcelona Champions League clash

PSG faces its Champions League showdown against FC Barcelona on Tuesday at Parc des Princes with two potential injury concerns following Saturday’s trip to Strasbourg.

Nuno Mendes, rested at kick-off before coming on in the 53rd minute in place of Lucas Digne, had to be substituted in the 87th minute due to a muscle alert. With no available replacement on the bench, Luis Enrique could only assess the damage. “We didn’t want to take any risks. We’ll see with the doctors tomorrow,” the Spanish manager said about the Portuguese left-back.

Maghnes Akliouche also finished the match in pain, his sock torn and his left ankle marked after an uncarded tackle from Strasbourg defender Jeyland Mitchell. The former AS Monaco player gritted his teeth to see it through, with PSG having used all their substitutions. His visibly painful movements late in the match cast serious doubt over his participation on Tuesday.

Their opponent tonight does not forgive defensive lapses. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have an impressive record this season of eleven wins in eleven outings across all competitions, with 48 goals scored and only 11 conceded. PSG, meanwhile, arrive with the confidence of a stunning 2-4 victory at Manchester City six days ago, but will likely need to reshape their left flank to try to stop the Catalan machine.