Official: Barcelona squad list to face PSG – key player returns | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have confirmed their squad list for the highly anticipated Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on matchday two of the group stage.

The biggest news is the return of Alejandro Balde, who has been sidelined since early September with a muscle injury.

The left-back, one of the brightest products of La Masia, suffered a minor injury to the femoral biceps of his left leg during training on September 3.

Since then, he has been forced to miss five matches across competitions – against Valencia, Newcastle United, Getafe, Real Oviedo, and Real Sociedad.

His absence left a significant gap on the left flank, with Hansi Flick having to rotate options to cover his role.

Balde resumed full training with the squad last Thursday, showing positive signs of recovery.

However, the coaching staff chose to be cautious and decided not to rush his return in the league match against Real Sociedad.

Instead, the plan was always to bring him back for this decisive Champions League fixture, where Barcelona need their best possible line-up.

While Balde’s return is a major boost, the Blaugrana are still without several key players. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains unavailable, while Joan Garcia, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Raphinha continue their respective recoveries.

Flick will therefore have to manage his resources carefully, especially in such a high-stakes game.

The return of Balde could prove vital in offering width, pace, and defensive stability on the left-hand side against PSG’s dangerous attack.

Meanwhile, apart from Balde, Marc Bernal has also been included in the Champions League squad and is in line to make his UEFA Champions League debut just like Jofre Torrents and Toni Fernandez.