PSG faces fresh setback ahead of crucial Barcelona showdown in the Champions League

The Ligue 1 leaders were held to a 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-table Clermont at home on Saturday night. The Parisian giants are right on track to claim the domestic title for the sixth time in seven seasons.

Nordi Mukiele Injury Deals Blow to PSG

Manager Luis Enrique decided to rotate his squad with a few first-team omissions during PSG’s league clash last night. The Ligue 1 giants will be welcoming Barcelona for the Champions League first-leg quarter-final clash on Wednesday at Parc des Princes.

PSG defender Nordi Mukiele suffered a nasty blow to his face early into the first 10 minutes of the game. The local defender clashed heads with visiting goalkeeper Massamba Ndiaye just eight minutes into the game which left him with a bloody mouth.

Despite Mukiele insisting on continuing the game, PSG medical staff were forced to withdraw the French defender as per concussion protocols and was replaced by Achraf Hakimi who remains suspended for the Barcelona tie next week.

Mukiele reacted angrily and was seen throwing his arms up in frustration and eventually stormed down the tunnel.

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Will Nordi Mukiele be available for PSG’s Champions League clash against Barcelona?

After his nasty facial injury, it remains to be seen whether the French defender will be available for PSG’s home tie against Barcelona on Wednesday night. Mukiele was expected to slot at the right-back position as Achraf Hakimi remains suspended for the Champions League tie.

However, as per reports, Mukiele’s substation was a precaution and the 26-year-old defender will be available against Barcelona on April 10. But in case, Mukiele is unavailable, teenager Warren Zaire-Emery could be asked to slot in the right-back position for the nerve-wracking tie on Wednesday.

“Next week we will prepare for the match. Today we had the attitude that we want to have in the Champions League,” Enrique said.