After their 3-1 victory in Oviedo, FC Barcelona has lost two starters to injury, according to the latest reports from Catalonia. On the other hand, Lamine Yamal is set to make his return.
PSG announced this Friday the injury to Marquinhos’ left quadriceps, ruling him out for several weeks and thus depriving him of the high-profile contest against Barça next Wednesday. The Catalan club returned from their Thursday night trip to Oviedo with two pieces of bad news as well.
Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, who made a serious error on the first goal, injured himself in training this Friday. Barça confirmed a rupture of the internal meniscus in his left knee.
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The injury will keep him out for four to six weeks, ruling him out of the match against PSG. It is an opportunity for Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has not played this season. Marc-André Ter Stegen, who had back surgery in July, remains out.
In addition to their goalkeeper situation, Barcelona will also be without Brazilian winger Raphinha against PSG. The former Stade Rennais player injured his right hamstring and will be out for three weeks. Beyond Ter Stegen, Garcia, and Raphinha, the club will also be without the injured Gavi and Fermin Lopez next Wednesday.
Lamine Yamal, who has been bothered by a pubalgia since early September, announced his return on Instagram and was present in training on Friday, five days before PSG’s visit. He then went to feature against Real Sociedad at the weekend, suggesting that he is almost certain to have some part against the European champions.
Alejandro Balde, who has not played since August 31st, also returned to training recently and was present on Friday. But he did not play against Real Sociedad, and was not even on the bench for that matter.
Sourav Mahanty