Paris Saint-Germain will travel to Spain without Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting for their Champions League Group A clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday. The Parisian side, already assured of a place in the round of 16, announced a 22-man squad for the fifth matchday, with the Cameroonian striker notably absent. Choupo-Moting, struggling for minutes since the return of key forwards Edinson Cavani, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé, is not part of coach Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for this important fixture. Discussions regarding the Indomitable Lion’s contract extension have circulated in the French media, but for now, he will remain on the sidelines.
PSG currently sit atop Group A with 12 points, level with their upcoming opponents in terms of qualification status, but a draw or victory would guarantee first place in the group. Real Madrid, who are second with seven points, will provide a stern test at their home ground, but the Parisians travel with a near-complete squad and all the firepower needed to secure a favorable result. With qualification already secured, this match will serve as an opportunity for rotation and tactical experimentation, while still competing for top spot in the group.
The 22-man squad includes a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents. Key forwards Edinson Cavani, Neymar Jr., Mauro Icardi, and Kylian Mbappé are all included, offering PSG a potent attacking lineup. Midfielders Idrissa Gueye, Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes, Julian Draxler, and Angel Di Maria provide balance, creativity, and defensive solidity in the middle of the park. Defensively, the squad features stalwarts such as Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Presnel Kimpembe, Abdou Diallo, and Thomas Meunier, ensuring that PSG remain solid at the back even without Choupo-Moting’s presence. Goalkeepers Keylor Navas, Sergio Rico, and Garissone Innocent complete the roster, providing depth and security between the posts.
The absence of Choupo-Moting highlights the intense competition for attacking positions at PSG, particularly with the presence of Cavani, Neymar, and Mbappé. Despite this, the club remains confident in its squad depth, capable of fielding a strong team that can challenge Real Madrid on their own turf. The Parisians aim to finish the group stage unbeaten at home and away, consolidating their position as one of Europe’s leading clubs.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on PSG’s star-studded lineup to see how they perform against a Real Madrid side eager to close the gap at the top of the group. While Choupo-Moting will miss out, the rest of the squad is prepared to deliver a high-intensity performance, maintain PSG’s momentum, and secure first place in Group A, further asserting their dominance in the Champions League this season.
PSG squad for the match: Adil Aouchiche, Juan Bernat, Edinson Cavani, Colin Dagba, Angel Di Maria, Abdou Diallo, Julian Draxler, Idrissa Gueye, Mauro Icardi, Garissone Innocent, Presnel Kimpembe, Tanguy Kouassi, Marquinhos, Kylian Mbappé, Thomas Meunier, Keylor Navas, Neymar Jr, Leandro Paredes, Sergio Rico, Pablo Sarabia, Thiago Silva, Marco Verratti.
