Blow for PSG as Mendes set to miss Barcelona clash over injury

Abdullateef Fowewe

Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes will miss Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona and be sidelined for several weeks after medical tests confirmed a left thigh muscle injury.

The Portuguese international sustained the problem during Saturday’s 3-1 Ligue 1 victory at Strasbourg.

He entered the match as a second-half substitute around the 53rd minute but was forced off late in the game around the 86th-87th minute.

With all substitutions already used, PSG finished the match with 10 players.

Coach Luis Enrique initially described the issue as a precaution, saying the club would assess it the following day.

Sunday’s examinations revealed a more significant lesion in the left thigh.

PSG confirmed the diagnosis in a club statement that Mendes is out against Barcelona and for the coming weeks.

The 24-year-old born 19 June 2002 has established himself as one of Europe’s top left-backs since joining PSG from Sporting CP.

Known for his pace, attacking contributions from the flank and defensive reliability, he has been a regular under Enrique.

However, he has a history of muscle problems, including a serious thigh injury in 2023 that required surgery and kept him out for several months.

After that setback he overhauled his training and prevention work, reaching what some described as the best physical condition of his career in recent seasons.

His absence is particularly notable ahead of the Parc des Princes clash with Barcelona.

Mendes was expected to be tasked with containing Lamine Yamal, the young Barcelona and Spain star who has been in outstanding form this season.

Possible replacements include Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez or midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, who filled in at left-back in the closing stages against Strasbourg.

The injury is a significant setback for the reigning French and European champions as they continue their Champions League campaign.