PSG’s Barcelona win comes with three injury concerns

Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League came at a significant cost, with three players forced off during the third round of the league phase.

Mundo Deportivo highlighted the fitness problems facing Luis Enrique’s side after Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all failed to complete the match. The result secured three points for Paris Saint-Germain, but the injuries left the club waiting for further medical assessments.

Dembele was the first player to go off, with less than 20 minutes played. The France international appeared to suffer a muscle problem during a run towards the ball.

After accelerating in pursuit of the pass, Dembele placed his hand on the back of his left leg, specifically around the hamstring area. He quickly recognised that he could not continue, stopped running and raised his hand to request a substitution.

He left the field before half-time, as Paris Saint-Germain made an early change because of the problem.

The French club suffered two further setbacks after the interval. Marquinhos reported pain and was unable to remain on the pitch, while Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia was also caught by a blow during the game.

The exact nature and severity of the two second-half issues remain unclear. Paris Saint-Germain will need to assess both players before determining the extent of the damage and how long either could be unavailable.

Medical examinations will also establish the seriousness of Dembele’s problem, with the coaching staff awaiting the results of checks on all three players. Their fitness will be monitored closely as the season enters its next stage and the club seeks to keep its squad available.

The victory fulfilled Paris Saint-Germain’s immediate objective against Barcelona, but the match ended with Luis Enrique facing concerns over the condition of important members of his team.

Rather than leaving the European fixture with a fully fit squad, Paris Saint-Germain finished the night with three players requiring medical attention. Mundo Deportivo therefore focused on the physical cost of the result, with the injuries becoming the main source of concern for the club despite its 4-2 success.