Barcelona will be without Eric García and Jules Koundé for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, dealing a blow to Hansi Flick's defensive options. García will also miss Sunday's Clásico against Real Madrid after being ruled out for up to four weeks with a thigh injury sustained in Saturday's win at Real Betis. Koundé sprained his ankle in the same match and remains a fitness doubt for the Madrid visit to Spotify Camp Nou in La Liga this weekend.
The absences leave Barça short at both right-back and centre-back. With Andreas Christensen also sidelined by a thigh issue, only Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín remain as available central defenders ahead of the European champions showdown. João Cancelo, Xavi Espart and Alejandro Balde can shift across the back line, while Frenkie de Jong — who returned to training last week — could also drop back.
Despite the defensive crisis, Barça head into the week in strong shape. Captain Raphinha came off the bench against Betis and will be available for both the PSG and Real Madrid fixtures. The Blaugrana are aiming to preserve their perfect start, having won all 11 matches in all competitions so far this season.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing