Barcelona duo in line to start vs PSG, €100 million midfielder expected to be benched
Barcelona will fancy their chances against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal that will be played over two legs this month.
The first of the two instalments will be played in Paris in just over 48 hours, and the Blaugranas have been preparing for over a week for the same.
Xavi has his lineup for the night all but ready, and it is only the midfield department that forces him into a dilemma. After all, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri all missed the last game through either injury or discomfort.
Two players ready to start
As revealed by Cadena SER in their latest report, all three players will return to Xavi’s squad for the game against PSG and could have minutes on the night.
Two players – de Jong and Christensen – are well placed to even start on the night based on their physical sensations.
The latter will almost certainly return to his role in the defensive midfield on the night considering that he was only suffering from a minor discomfort.
In the Dutchman’s case, however, the decision will rest on Xavi. While he is indeed declared fit to start, his lack of match-fitness could place the likes of Sergi Roberto or Fermin Lopez above him on the pecking order.
Doubt with Pedri
The situation with star midfielder Pedri, however, is still in doubt. The player is fit to travel, but the club will be cautious with him given his recent struggle for fitness.
His sensations in the final training sessions and on the match day will govern his participation against Luis Enrique’s side.
At this point, it is safe to say that he will not start on the night and any potential involvement will arise off the bench.
