Barcelona Faces a Major Test in Its Development

After opening their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win in Newcastle thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, will face a major challenge as they host PSG, the reigning European champions.

The game will be played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys and could be Barcelona’s final match in Montjuïc before their return to the Spotify Camp Nou.

The Catalan side arrives with a crowded injury list: goalkeepers Joan García and Marc-André ter Stegen, midfielders Gavi and Fermín López, and winger Raphinha are all unavailable, posing a significant challenge for Flick.

The good news is the return of their young star Lamine Yamal, who has recovered from a pubic injury that sidelined him for four games. The No. 10 made his comeback in the last league match against Real Sociedad, where he delivered the decisive assist in the 2-1 victory that put Barcelona back on top of the standings.

Full-back Alejandro Balde is also nearing a return after three weeks out, although he is not expected to start against PSG. Additionally, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres could return to the starting lineup, with Eric García replacing Ronald Araújo in defense and an attacking trio of Rashford, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres. This would leave Robert Lewandowski on the bench.

PSG Weakened but Still Dangerous

PSG arrives in Barcelona with a significant number of injuries. Of the lineup that lifted the European trophy in Munich, only five starters are expected to be available for the match in Montjuïc.

The biggest problems are in attack: Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos, and Doué are all out, while Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, and Joao Neves are doubtful. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been ruled out as well.

Neither Lee Kang-in nor Gonçalo Ramos have managed to seize their opportunities to secure a spot in the starting XI, and in midfield, Vitinha, Fabián, Joao Neves, and Mayulu are competing for two positions alongside Warren Zaïre-Emery, who is expected to start.

While PSG’s offensive power has diminished this season, Luis Enrique’s team still leads Ligue 1, despite a surprise 1-0 defeat to Olympique de Marseille in domestic competition.

A High-Voltage European Showdown

The clash between Barcelona and PSG promises to deliver intensity and elite football. Flick’s side aims to prove their progress by defeating one of Europe’s heavyweights, while the Parisians want to show that, despite their injury problems, they remain serious contenders to defend their European crown.