Barcelona Faces Defensive Injury Crisis Ahead of PSG Clash

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that winger Raphinha is ready to return to the starting lineup against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The team is dealing with a severe defensive injury crisis after losing both Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia to injuries over the weekend. This leaves the club with only five fit senior defenders available for selection.

Squad Changes

Raphinha could make his first start since September 19 after recovering from a hamstring problem. Alongside Garcia, defenders Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and others will miss the upcoming European match. To cope with the shortage, Flick mentioned midfielders Rodri Hernandez and Frenkie de Jong as makeshift options for the backline. The team has also included 18-year-old teenage centre-back Alex Campos in the squad, though he has yet to make his senior debut for the club. Meanwhile, Flick noted that Kounde could return soon and might even play against Real Madrid.

Security and Match Status

Despite a wave of protests, violence, and looting across France, the Champions League showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona will go ahead as scheduled at the Parc des Princes in Paris. France's Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that the match will proceed amid heightened security concerns. Police across the country are already stretched thin following weeks of student protests and a weekend of unrest that led to more than 2,000 arrests. While French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu instructed local authorities to impose limited curfews in certain cities, Nunez ruled out any changes to this high-profile fixture or other European matches taking place in the country this week.

Context

High-profile football matches in Europe often proceed under strict security measures when local civil unrest occurs, as authorities balance public safety with major sporting schedules. Squad depth and youth call-ups become crucial for clubs facing sudden injury crises during busy continental seasons.