Nuno Mendes Ruled Out of Champions League Clash Against Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain will face FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League without Nuno Mendes, who has sustained a left thigh injury. The French club announced Sunday that the player will be unavailable for the upcoming fixture and subsequent weeks following a medical evaluation. The player suffered the injury during a match against RC Strasbourg Alsace.
The defender entered the match at the Meinau stadium in the 53rd minute to replace Lucas Digne while PSG trailed 1-0. Mendes was forced to leave the pitch in the 86th minute without being substituted, as manager Luis Enrique had already used all of his allotted changes during the eventual 3-1 comeback victory.
Defensive Dilemmas for Luis Enrique
Manager Luis Enrique must choose between Lucas Digne and midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery to fill the vacant position against Barcelona. Digne has served as a natural backup option this season, while Zaïre-Emery has previously logged minutes in the defensive role. Whoever takes the pitch will face Lamine Yamal, who enters the fixture in strong form.
Point médical concernant Nuno Mendes @Aspetar 👉 https://t.co/MH8Bb8nike pic.twitter.com/Rr2g4QjGmk
Barcelona arrives in the French capital with its own defensive absences. The Catalan club confirmed that Eric Garcia and Jules Koundé will miss the trip. Garcia is sidelined with a right thigh muscle tear, while Koundé is recovering from a left ankle sprain. Koundé could potentially return for the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid the following weekend, depending on his recovery progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Paris Saint-Germain play FC Barcelona in the Champions League?
The Champions League fixture takes place on Tuesday, placing immediate pressure on both clubs to adjust their lineups following recent defensive injuries.
What injuries forced players out of the upcoming match?
Nuno Mendes suffered a left thigh lesion during a match against RC Strasbourg Alsace. Barcelona defenders Eric Garcia and Jules Koundé were ruled out due to a right thigh muscle tear and a left ankle sprain, respectively.
Which matches did the affected players participate in right before their injuries?
Nuno Mendes played as a second-half substitute in PSG’s 3-1 victory over RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Meinau stadium on Saturday.
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