One month before the highly anticipated match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain, the teams led by Xavi Hernández and Luis Enrique are working hard to get some of their key players back in time for the games scheduled for April 9th and 10th (first leg) and April 16th and 17th (second leg). The French side is dealing with injuries to Marquinhos, Skriniar, Kimpembe, Marco Asensio, and Kurzawa, while Barcelona is missing Gavi, Balde, Ferran Torres, Marcos Alonso, Pedri, and De Jong.
Here’s an update on the injured players from both teams and their expected return dates:
Marquinhos
Expected to return by the end of the month
The PSG captain is set to make his comeback by the end of this month after being sidelined since February 17 due to an Achilles tendon issue. Although he was called up for a recent match, he didn’t play to fully recover.
Marco Asensio
Battling injuries
Asensio has been dealing with a minor injury to his right femoral biceps since March 1. Despite this setback, he aims to be available for the upcoming matches and could play a crucial role for Luis Enrique’s team.
Milan Skriniar
Back to training
After undergoing surgery for a left ankle injury on January 3, Skriniar was initially expected to miss the rest of the season. However, the Slovakian defender has made a quicker recovery than anticipated and has already started training on the field since March 9.
Presnel Kimpembe
Out since February 23, 2023
Kimpembe has been sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury since February 26, 2023. Despite hopes of a return in January, his condition has not improved, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Kurzawa
Not a Priority for Luis Enrique
He is PSG’s least missed player, having only played 8 minutes this season. The full-back has been out since the beginning of December, and even if he recovers, it would be tough for him to join the challenging match against Barça.
Gavi
Out of Commission
All Barcelona fans were heartbroken after Gavi’s painful injury on November 19 against Georgia. The news wasn’t good, and later it was confirmed that he suffered a serious knee injury. He will be out for the entire season and is not expected to return until the end of the year.
Balde
Season-Ending Injury
Alejandro Balde underwent surgery after injuring his leg tendon, ruling him out for the rest of the season. He won’t be able to play in the upcoming match.
Ferran Torres
Back in Training
The Valencian player was close to returning against Mallorca and Naples, but his comeback has been delayed. It’s likely he will be back for the match against Atlético de Madrid or after the national team break.
Marcos Alonso
Coming Back Soon
Similar to Ferran Torres, Marcos Alonso was expected to return for the Balearic Islands match, but that didn’t happen. He is aiming to make his comeback this Sunday against Atlético de Madrid.
Pedri
On the Road to Recovery
Despite a muscle injury on March 3, Pedri’s condition is not as severe as initially feared. The former Las Palmas player might be available for the next match, as reported by MD.
Frenkie de Jong
might be back soon.
The Dutch player got injured in the same game as Pedri against Athletic Club, but his chances of playing in the upcoming Champions League match seem more promising. De Jong sustained a sprain in the external lateral ligament of his right ankle, but he is recovering well and is likely to be ready for the first leg of the quarter-final without any issues.
This content has been translated and adapted from the Spanish version of the digital newspaper
