Champions League

PSG sweat over Vitinha ahead of Champions League semifinal with Bayern Munich

Just over a week before facing Bayern in Paris, Luis Enrique’s team have suffered a potential blow as Vitinha struggles with an injury.

Just over a week before facing Bayern in Paris, Luis Enrique’s team have suffered a potential blow as Vitinha struggles with an injury.
FRANCK FIFE
París (Francia) Update:

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha is dealing with inflammation in his right heel, the club confirmed in a medical update, leaving him a serious doubt for next Tuesday’s first-leg Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich in Paris.

The Portuguese international has set off alarm bells in the French capital and will miss PSG’s next two matches, Wednesday against Nantes and Saturday at Angers.

Injury picked up during Lyon match

The central midfielder requested to be substituted in the first half against Olympique Lyon after feeling pain in his right foot.

The issue came following a challenge involving on-loan Real Madrid youngster Endrick, in the buildup to Lyon’s second goal.

After the match, PSG manager Luis Enrique hinted the problem could be more than a minor knock.

Not something positive. We need to wait for tests, but when you take a player off, it is never a good sign,” he said.

PSG to monitor recovery closely

Vitinha will remain on the treatment table over the next few days, with a further assessment to be made towards the end of the week,” PSG said in its official statement.

Given his importance to the team’s structure, any absence against Bayern would be a major setback for Luis Enrique, who considers him a locked-in starter in his system.

Midfield options open up for PSG

Vitinha’s injury opens the door for Fabian Ruiz to step into the lineup.

The Spanish midfielder recently returned after three months out with a fractured kneecap and made his comeback against Lyon.

PSG’s upcoming matches against Nantes and Angers will serve as an important test of his fitness and rhythm after a long spell on the sidelines.

No risks expected ahead of Bayern clash

PSG are not expected to rush Vitinha back for the first leg against Bayern Munich.

With a second leg still to come, Luis Enrique is unlikely to take any chances with his midfield key figure.

Alongside Fabian, strong recent performances from Warren Zaïre-Emery and João Neves could help PSG absorb the potential loss in the middle of the pitch.

The coming days will be decisive in determining whether Vitinha is fit enough to feature in what promises to be a high-stakes semifinal in Paris.

Related stories

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.

Tagged in:
Comments
Rules

Complete your personal details to comment

We recommend these for you in Soccer