In less than a week, FC Barcelona face their toughest challenge of the season to date when they take on PSG in the UEFA Champions League.
The Blaugrana host the French and European Champions on 1 October at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in what is a highly anticipated encounter.
However, both teams are affected by injury woes leading up to the game, with Parisians confirming another major absence.
At Marquinhos Against Barcelona
Indeed, PSG confirmed on Friday morning, ahead of their Ligue 1 fixture with Auxerre, that captain Marquinhos will be unavailable for the Champions League meeting with Barcelona.
The centre-back played through discomfort in Monday’s Classic at Marseille, but subsequent scans revealed a muscular injury that will sideline him “for the coming weeks”, according to the club statement.
It represents a significant blow for Luis Enrique, who loses one of his most experienced figures.
Don't Demanent and Doue
Marquinhos’ absence adds to that of Ousmane Dembele, who is not expected back until after October’s international break.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner suffered an injury while playing for France earlier this month, and a return in time to face his former club is deemed impossible.
Meanwhile, Dembele’s attacking partner, Desire Doue, also appears set to miss out on the midweek showdown at Montjuic, having yet to return to full training.
PSG boss Enrique is unwilling to gamble on the winger, who was the MVP in last season’s Champions League final.
Doubts also linger over Joao Neves, who sustained an injury against Atalanta on Matchday 1 of the Champions League and sat out the Marseille clash.
The Parisian giants are being tight-lipped regarding the Portuguese international’s condition, but he is not ruled out of the trip to Barcelona.
Source: AS
