The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League script has cooked up an absolute storm as Barcelona have been drawn up against PSG in the quarter-finals of the competition, in the same bracket as Borussia Dortmund vs Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona have been in rather impressive form ahead of the game. They are on an unbeaten streak of ten games now, including a 3-1 knockout of Napoli in the UCL round of 16, and most recently a 0-3 win against Atletico Madrid away from home.
They will be hoping that this fortnight of international break does them no harm, with several players called up.
Barcola picks up injury
At the same time, though, they may have picked up a boost during this international break as PSG winger Bradley Barcola has picked up an injury while playing for France U23 against Ivory Coast.
The 21-year-old was substituted off with a thigh injury in the first-half of the game itself, and will undergo tests and treatment before an official schedule for his recovery can be released.
Barcola has been an important part of the PSG side this season, playing 24 games (17 starts), scoring two goals and giving five assists.
He often alternates with Kylian Mbappe for a spot on the right-wing, with the Real Madrid-bound forward often playing centrally.
Barcelona’s injuries
Barcelona do have a lot of injuries to take care of themselves, though.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were the latest to pick up an injury, while playing against Athletic Club in the 0-0 draw at the San Mames. While the latter could be back in time for the first-leg against PSG, the former is definitely missing both legs.
Ferran Torres has also been out for nearly two months at this point, but if his recovery is on track, the Spaniard could be a part of the travelling squad to Paris for the first game.
Andreas Christensen was also missing from the team that won away against Atletico, and did not travel with the Danish National Team, as a result. He should be available soon enoughh, though.
Gavi and Alejandro Balde, though, are definitely out for the season.
