Image Credits: Imago Images
Paris Saint-Germain has announced a 21-man squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool at the Parc des Princes, as the holders begin the defence of their crown against familiar opposition. Luis Enrique has gone with a largely settled group for the clash.
There is, however, no place for Bradley Barcola. The France international forward returned to full training earlier this week after recovering from the ankle injury that sidelined him in mid-March, but PSG have opted not to rush him back into action.
It has been suggested the 21-year-old is being carefully managed with a view to featuring in the return leg or later in the competition, rather than risking a setback in Paris. His absence is a blow given his 12 goals in all competitions this season, but Enrique can still call on a formidable attacking cast.
The confirmed PSG squad to face Liverpool is as follows:
Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos, Illia Zabarnyi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Gonçalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Vitinha, Kang-In Lee, Lucas Hernandez, Senny Mayulu, Nuno Mendes, Dro Fernández, Lucas Chevalier, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Matvey Safonov
, Ibrahim Mbaye, Willian Pacho, João Neves, Renato Marin.
Liverpool, for their part, travel to France under pressure after a bruising 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City but buoyed by the return of Alexander Isak to their own 21-man travelling party. Luis Enrique will know that a strong first-leg result is essential before taking this tie back to a roaring Anfield.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Enrique said:
“What will the result be? We’ll see. Last season, we put in one of our best performances, but we lost. Liverpool were favourites, and PSG qualified. There’s no favourite at this stage of the competition. It’s important to look to control what we can control.”
“Liverpool are a very high level team and to think you’re the favourites is the best way to make a mess of things. It’s not important to know who’s the favourite in this competition, in this kind of game. It’s impossible that there’s a favourite. For me, there isn’t one.”
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