[Bradley Barcola injury news] Paris Saint-Germain will be without Bradley Barcola for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool at Parc des Princes, despite the winger returning to training on Tuesday.
Barcola picked up an ankle sprain during PSG’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on March 17th, being replaced by Desire Doue in the 59th minute, and has not featured since. RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins confirmed on Tuesday that while the 23-year-old’s recovery is progressing faster than expected, he will not play in the first leg. PSG’s medical staff will continue to monitor his condition closely, with the return leg at Anfield next Tuesday very much in mind.
What does latest Bradley Barcola injury news mean for PSG?
It is a notable loss for Luis Enrique’s side, even if they have the depth to cover it. Barcola has been one of PSG’s most consistent performers this season, contributing 12 goals and six assists across 38 appearances in all competitions. In this Champions League campaign specifically, he has started all 12 of his appearances, averaging 72 minutes per game, scoring twice and creating three assists.
Without him, Enrique is likely to shift Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to the right and bring Desire Doue in on the left, which still gives PSG a frighteningly dynamic attacking front. Liverpool will not be breathing too easily over this news. The quality is still very much there without Barcola in the side.
The bigger picture for Liverpool
Arne Slot’s side arrive in Paris in poor form, having won just once in their last five matches. On the one hand, the absence of a key PSG attacker offers a marginal advantage. On the other, Liverpool’s defensive record on the road this season has been dire, and PSG will still carry more than enough firepower to make this a very uncomfortable night for the Reds. Barcola’s potential return for the second leg at Anfield next week adds another layer of intrigue to a tie that is shaping up to be extremely one-sided on current form.
