Before Bayern duel: PSG fear for key player Vitinha | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain have to fear for one of their most important players less than a week before the Champions League semi-final against FC Bayern. In the league match against Olympique Lyon, midfielder Vitinha was injured and had to be substituted before the break

The Portuguese went down in the 39th minute after a challenge in the air and immediately signalled that he would not be able to continue. What was particularly noticeable was that Vitinha landed awkwardly with his right foot and then had great difficulty stepping on the ground

The 26-year-old initially disappeared straight into the catacombs, before returning to the substitutes‘ bench a short time later without his boot – visibly battered and only walking with a limp. An exact diagnosis has yet to be made, but PSG are very worried

Especially in view of the upcoming clash with FC Bayern, the scene comes at an inopportune time. The first leg in Paris will take place on 28 April, followed by the second leg in the Allianz Arena a week later. Whether Vitinha will be fit by then is currently completely open

Key role in the PSG game

photo: IMAGO

A possible loss of the midfield strategist would be a major setback for the French side. Vitinha is one of the central pacemakers in Luis Enrique’s game, providing structure in the build-up and linking defence and attack

His ball security is a decisive factor, especially against pressing teams such as FC Bayern

However, the German record champions are also struggling with personnel problems. Serge Gnabry will definitely be out for the semi-final. The attacking player has torn his adductor muscles and will miss several weeks

This means that both teams may be missing important building blocks in the game – a factor that makes the clash even more unpredictable

In addition to the injury concerns, PSG also suffered a sporting setback with a 2-1 defeat against Olympique Lyon, which reduced their lead at the top of the table to just one point.