Paris Saint-Germain received a significant setback on Sunday after confirming that left-back Nuno Mendes will be sidelined for several weeks following a left thigh tear. The Portugal international was forced to withdraw in the 53rd minute of Saturday’s 3-1 Ligue 1 victory over Strasbourg, ending his run of consistent performances for the French champions. This injury complicates Luis Enrique’s defensive planning just days before a high-stakes European fixture, removing a crucial component from the squad’s depth chart.
Luis Enrique loses key man to tear as Lucas Digne steps up against Lamine Yamal
The absence of Mendes is particularly damaging given the tactical matchup against Barcelona in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at Parc des Princes. Enrique had likely tasked Mendes with shadowing Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old Spanish phenom who operates on the right flank and frequently cuts inside. Yamal is currently in exceptional form, having contributed nine goals this season while Barcelona has maintained a perfect 11-game winning streak across La Liga and the Champions League, making the defensive challenge against him formidable.
With Mendes unavailable, veteran France international Lucas Digne is expected to start in the left-back position for the decisive match. Digne’s experience will be tested as he attempts to contain Yamal’s explosive pace and technical ability. This substitution marks a critical moment for PSG, who must adapt their defensive structure to neutralize Barcelona’s attack while maintaining their own offensive threat in a contest that could shape the trajectory of both teams’ European campaigns.
Source: Yahoo Sports
