PSG vs. Barcelona: 8 Players expected to miss the fixture due to injury

Eight Key Players Ruled Out of PSG vs Barcelona Champions League Clash

The UEFA Champions League returns with fireworks on October 1, 2025, as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) prepare to face Barcelona in what many are calling one of the standout fixtures of the league-phase campaign. Both clubs have made strong starts to their European journeys, but the highly anticipated clash at Montjuïc Stadium will unfortunately be missing several star names due to injuries.

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PSG’s Injury Concerns

PSG entered this season’s Champions League with intent, opening their campaign in dominant fashion by dismantling Atalanta 4-0, scoring twice in each half. The performance showcased their depth, even though they were already without attacking talents like Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé. However, ahead of the Barcelona game, manager Luis Enrique has confirmed more setbacks.

The biggest blow is the absence of captain Marquinhos, who suffered a quadriceps problem in PSG’s Ligue 1 victory over Marseille. Enrique was quick to calm fears about the severity of the injury but stressed that the Brazilian leader won’t be risked.

“Marquinhos felt some discomfort late in the match against Marseille,” Enrique said. “It’s precautionary, but we don’t want to take any unnecessary risks. He’s our leader, so it’s a setback for us.”

Alongside Marquinhos, PSG continue to monitor João Neves, who is still under medical supervision and unlikely to feature. Ousmane Dembélé remains in rehabilitation, while teenager Désiré Doué is not yet match-ready despite making progress with light treadmill sessions. According to Le Parisien, Doué may be fit enough for a spot on the bench if his recovery continues smoothly.

The silver lining for Enrique is that Bradley Barcola and Neves could be available for domestic action against Auxerre, which might give them a slim chance of making the squad against Barcelona.

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Barcelona’s Injury Worries

On the other side, Hans Flick and Barcelona are also dealing with a wave of fitness problems. The Catalan giants earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Newcastle United in their opening group game, with Marcus Rashford scoring both goals to secure three vital points. But injuries are beginning to pile up.

Barcelona’s young goalkeeper Joan García has been ruled out for four to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery, leaving Flick without one of his trusted options between the posts. Midfield dynamo Gavi continues his long recovery from a knee injury, while Fermín López is sidelined as well.

The latest and perhaps most painful setback is Raphinha, who picked up a fresh injury during training, as confirmed by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian winger will be out for around three weeks, automatically ruling him out of the PSG showdown.

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Who’s Missing from Both Sides?

In total, at least eight players are expected to miss the blockbuster fixture:

• PSG: Marquinhos, João Neves, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué

• Barcelona: Joan García, Raphinha, Gavi, Fermín López

While both teams boast incredible depth, the absences will test their ability to rotate and adjust tactically. PSG will miss their defensive leader and attacking flair, while Barcelona lose creativity in midfield and one of their key attacking outlets.

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What to Expect from the Clash

Despite the injuries, this is still a heavyweight battle. PSG look sharp under Luis Enrique, blending youth and experience with firepower up front. Barcelona, on the other hand, have shown resilience, and Rashford’s form is proving vital in the absence of Raphinha.

The October 1 tie at Montjuïc could act as a tone-setter for the rest of the group phase, with both teams eager to stamp their authority early. Even without some of their biggest stars, PSG vs Barcelona promises drama, intensity, and plenty of storylines—exactly what the Champions League is all about.