Luis Enrique will be without several regular players. © APA/afp / JOSEP LAGO

Personnel concerns at PSG and Barca before big clash

Paris Saint-Germain's star-studded squad travels to Barcelona in a small squad. The defending champions' injury list is both prominent and long ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash (9:00 p.m.).

01 October 2025

From: apa

Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, young star Desire Doue, and captain Marquinhos were already missing recently, and dribbling prodigy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was also sidelined in the 2-0 league win against Auxerre. Other players are in doubt about their availability. Of the small core squad that thrilled European football this spring, only Bradley Barcola remains in attack.

"Of course it's bitter, but injuries are part of this intense schedule. The important thing is that we stay positive," said PSG coach Luis Enrique. After all, midfield stars Vitinha and Joao Neves, who were also injured, traveled to Catalonia with the team.

Barca can hope for Yamal

The biggest test of the still short season awaits at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. "It's a true joy to play against a team that shares our identity and mentality," said Enrique, who won the Champions League with Barca as coach in 2015 and several major titles as a player. What could have been a dream final last year was ruled out because Hansi Flick's team conceded seven goals in the semifinals during their attacking fireworks against Inter Milan. Both teams started this year's league phase with victories.

Lamine Yamal wants to play a central role. © APA/afp / LLUIS GENE

It's a shame that so many players are missing from both sides, Enrique explained, referring to the opponent's absences. Raphinha, last season's top scorer, regular goalkeeper Joan Garcia, midfield dynamo Gavi, and Fermin Lopez are all out of the running for the match. Lamine Yamal is likely to play. The young star made his first partial appearance since August against Real Sociedad.

The fact that Yamal only finished second behind Dembele in the FIFA World Player of the Year vote serves as motivation for the young star, according to Flick. Otherwise, the German coach generally strives to keep the high-flyer grounded. "I don't like this 'super' label," Flick said of Yamal on Tuesday. "He's exceptional, but he's 18 and needs to focus on improving all aspects of his game, including his defense."

Italy’s teams also play

Two Italian teams, Juventus and Napoli, are also in action on Wednesday. The Bianconeri face Villareal FC away after their 4-4 draw. Antonio Conte's team, which lost its opening game 2-0 to Manchester City, hosts Sporting Lisbon. City also travel to AS Monaco.

Champions League:

Wednesday, October 1th:
Qarabag Agdam – FC Copenhagen (6:45 p.m.)
Union Saint Gilloise – Newcastle United
AS Monaco vs. Manchester City (21 p.m.)
Bayer Leverkusen – PSV Eindhoven
Borussia Dortmund – Athletic Bilbao
Arsenal FC – Olympiacos Piraeus
FC Barcelona – PSG
Villareal FC – Juventus
Napoli – Sporting Lisbon