Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are set to clash in the in the Champions League last-16 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening, marking their first knockout-stage encounter since the 1996/97 Cup Winners’ Cup semi-finals.
PSG come into the tie buoyed by the return of teenage sensation Warren Zaïre-Emery. The midfield prodigy resumed training last week after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him since January and made a substitute appearance in Saturday’s 4-1 Ligue 1 victory over Lille.
Head coach Luis Enrique has the luxury of a nearly full-strength squad, having rotated players effectively between the recent 7-0 Coupe de France rout of Stade Briochin and the Lille match.
Liverpool, meanwhile, face more significant injury concerns. Defenders Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley remain unavailable with hamstring injuries.
Gomez, who recently underwent surgery, is expected to miss most of the season, while Bradley is out for several weeks after being injured last month.
Adding to their worries, Cody Gakpo’s status is uncertain after he reinjured himself blocking a shot during training on Monday. Although the Dutch forward has travelled with the squad, his availability remains in doubt.
Teenage defender Amara Nallo is suspended following his red card in Liverpool’s league-phase finale against PSV Eindhoven, while Tyler Morton remains sidelined after shoulder surgery.
Despite these setbacks, Liverpool’s squad depth will be tested as manager Arne Slot prepares to face a PSG side eager to capitalise on their home advantage.
