Barcelona will be without defenders Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde for their UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain after both players picked up injuries during Saturday’s La Liga victory over Real Betis.
Hansi Flick’s side travel to the Parc des Princes for Tuesday’s Matchday 3 encounter, looking to maintain their perfect start to the season and extend their winning run to 12 matches in all competitions.
However, the absence of Garcia and Kounde represents a significant setback for the Catalan giants as they prepare to face the reigning European champions on their home ground.
Both defenders sustained injuries during Barcelona’s impressive win over Betis and have been left out of the squad selected for the trip to Paris.
Flick names Barcelona squad for PSG clash
Despite the defensive setbacks, Flick has named a squad featuring several of Barcelona’s key players as they prepare for one of their biggest European tests of the campaign.
The squad includes Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Fermín López and Dani Olmo, while Robert Lewandowski and other regular first-team options are expected to play important roles in the team’s preparations.
Barcelona have also included João Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín among their defensive options for the encounter.
Barcelona’s travelling squad: Joan Garcia, João Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Fariñas, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi, Fermín López, Pedri, G. Jesus, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Xavi Espart, Wojciech Szczęsny, Adeyemi, Rodrigo, Gordon, Gerard Martín, Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Livakovic, Abdelkarim and Àlex Campos.
Barcelona prepare for final training session in Paris
Barcelona will complete their final preparations in Paris on Monday, with Flick and midfielder Pedri scheduled to address the media ahead of the training session at the Parc des Princes.
The session will provide the team with an opportunity to fine-tune their tactical approach before facing a PSG side eager to defend their European crown.
For Barcelona, the challenge will be to maintain their attacking momentum while managing the loss of two defenders against opponents capable of exploiting any weaknesses at the back.
With both teams targeting a statement result, Tuesday’s encounter promises to be a major test of Barcelona’s early-season form and their ability to cope with injuries against elite European opposition.
