The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals first-leg tie between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain is a few weeks away. However, on Thursday, there were reports regarding key players and their health status for the match.
If Barcelona wants to defeat the Parisians, it’ll need a healthy squad. Any absences of key players give the capital club an advantage. Journalist Javi Miguel provided an update on two midfielders and their status for the first leg on April 10th at the Parc des Princes.
Miguel notes that Frenkie de Jong’s recovery on his sprained ankle are very positive. All indications are that he will be 100 percent ready for the match against PSG.
❗Frenkie de Jong's recovery reports on his sprained ankle are very positive. All indications are that he will be 100% ready for the match against PSG.
— @fansjavimiguel pic.twitter.com/Ur3OMBMcx1
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 21, 2024
As a result, it came as no surprise that the Dutchman is included in manager Xavi Hernandez’s ideal starting lineup for the contest. Nonetheless, the major question mark surrounds Pedri and his situation appears more complicated.
According to Miguel, the chances of Pedri being ready for the first leg against PSG are still up in the air. Furthermore, Barcelona will not force him, nor will they put pressure on him to return.
The chances of Pedri being ready for the first leg against PSG are still up in the air. The club will not force him, nor will they put pressure on him to return.
— @fansjavimiguel pic.twitter.com/lK2ZdKkL4j
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 21, 2024
The midfield battle between the two teams will be an interesting storyline during the contest. If PSG can take advantage of any absences, it could put them in the driver’s seat heading into the second leg.