PSG pessimistic about two key players’ availability for Barcelona clash – report | OneFootball

On 1 October, FC Barcelona face their toughest test of the season to date when they host PSG in the UEFA Champions League.

It is one of the most highly anticipated clashes in the league phase of the Champions League this season, but injuries on both sides have somewhat dampened the excitement.

Barcelona will go into the game without key players like Gavi, Joan Garcia, and Fermin Lopez.

Meanwhile, PSG have also lost important stars such as Marquinhos and Ousmane Dembele for their trip to Spain. Desire Doue is also a major doubt, whereas question marks linger over the availability of Joao Neves.

Pessimism surrounding Kvaratskhelia and Vitinha

Now, according to SPORT, PSG are pessimistic about the chances of having two more key players – Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – available to face Barcelona.

The midfielder and the winger, both very important players for Luis Enrique, sustained injuries this weekend in the Ligue 1 game against AJ Auxerre and were unable to finish the match.

Vitinha was taken off with an injury vs Auxerre (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Vitinha, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or, was forced off before half-time. Although the substitution was described as precautionary, his worried expression suggested otherwise. Kvaratskhelia did not start the second half after clutching the back of his thigh.

The feeling in Paris is pessimistic regarding both players. A decision on Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia will be made on Monday afternoon after medical tests, but the outlook is not promising, at least regarding a possible starting role against Barcelona.

Coach Luis Enrique is reluctant to risk two of his most important players in only the second group-stage match of the Champions League.

The ex-Barcelona manager is wary of aggravating their injuries and losing them for a longer period in what is expected to be another congested season.

So, it remains to be seen whether Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia are available for the trip to Barcelona next week or not.