Gerard Pique is in contention to feature while Ousmane Dembele and Miralem Pjanic are set to start when Barcelona take on PSG in the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona will be aiming to take a step closer to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League when they lock horns with PSG in the Round of 16 first leg tie at Camp Nou on Tuesday night.
Heading into the game, Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman continues to be hampered by injury problems with the likes of Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho, Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo and Martin Braithwaite all ruled out. However, there is some good news as well, with veteran defender Gerard Pique returning to training ahead of the contest.
Koeman, speaking in his pre-match presser, sounded positive over the player’s condition, saying: “Gerard has been training with the group and we are confident. He has been out for a while and tomorrow [Tuesday] we will decide if he is in the squad or not. If a player is in the squad then he has a chance of playing.”
Barcelona vs PSG Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
While his return would be a boost, given that he hasn’t played in over three months, it is unlikely that Pique would be rushed back into action. Instead, Barcelona are likely to go in with the makeshift central defensive partnership of Frenkie de Jong and Clement Lenglet once again when PSG come visiting.
Oscar Mingueza is likely to be retained at right-back ahead of Sergino Dest, who has had his own fitness issues. Jordi Alba, though, should return at left-back after sitting out the weekend game against Alaves, with Junior Firpo making way. There is no looking past Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barcelona goal.
Sergio Busquets, with his experience and leadership, is an important player for the Blaugrana and should continue at the base of the three-man midfield unit. With de Jong moving to the centre-back position, it opens up a place for Miralem Pjanic, who recently expressed his frustration over the lack of game-time, to get a start against PSG.
The third midfield slot will most likely be occupied by breakout teenage star Pedri, who will be coming into the side at the expense of Riqui Puig.
Ousmane Dembele did not start against Alaves and even though Francisco Trincao made hay of his chance by scoring a double, he is likely to make way for the Frenchman on the right-wing. On the left flank, Antoine Griezmann ought to continue, having rediscovered his form while Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi is a certain starter through the middle.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Mingueza, de Jong, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Messi, Griezmann.
I hope beat PSG by 3. O two goal by messi 1 by grm