PSG vs Barcelona in Champions League: Nuno Mendes, Koundé and Christensen ruled out for Parc clash

PSG welcome FC Barcelona on Tuesday evening to Parc des Princes for matchday 3 of the Champions League league phase, with squads seriously depleted on both sides.

On the Paris side, Luis Enrique will have to do without Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese left-back suffered a left thigh injury during Saturday’s victory at Strasbourg and will be unavailable for several weeks. Third-choice goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni is also ruled out, and Maghnes Akliouche, who picked up an ankle injury in Alsace, is uncertain. However, Senny Mayulu could return to the squad.

Barcelona are not spared either. The victory over Real Betis this weekend has taken its toll: Eric Garcia will miss three to four weeks of competition due to a thigh injury, Jules Koundé is ruled out with a left ankle injury, and Andreas Christensen will also not make the trip to Paris. Gerard Martin, substituted at half-time against Betis with a foot inflammation, is very uncertain.

Hansi Flick will nonetheless be able to count on the return of his captain Raphinha, who played again on Saturday, and on that of Frenkie De Jong, back in the squad at Seville without having played. A starting role for the Dutch midfielder at Parc des Princes seems unlikely in these circumstances.

Leaders of the Champions League at this stage of the competition, Barcelona look like Europe’s best team so far this season. PSG, two-time defending European champions, will attempt to confirm their home solidity despite a well-stocked infirmary.