PSG coach has three doubts over his squad for Barcelona clash – report

Only a couple of days are remaining before Barcelona lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal.

PSG are branded as the favourites to seal an advantage in the first leg, but Barcelona cannot be counted out especially given the form they have shown in recent months.

Not to mention, the PSG squad is highly depleted heading into this contest, largely on account of injuries and suspensions.

As a result, coach Luis Enrique will be facing three major selection dilemmas heading into the Barcelona match, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Enrique facing selection dilemmas

First and foremost, Achraf Hakimi has been ruled out of this contest due to suspension. With the Moroccan international missing, Enrique has to take a call on Warren Zaire-Emery.

Zaire-Emery has been a pivotal figure in the PSG midfield this season. But with no real alternatives for Hakimi, he could be deployed at right-back this midweek.

Hakimi’s absence will be a headache for coach Luis Enrique (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images for Qatar Airways)

In addition to the right-back area, Enrique has doubts even on the opposite flank, where he will have to choose between Beraldo and Nuno Mendes.

Mendes is a much more attacking option and can offer width going forward. However, the youngster is struggling with proper match fitness.

Beraldo, on the other hand, can offer the defensive solidity out wide. But he did recently struggle to contain Lamine Yamal during the international friendly between Brazil and Spain.

What about the attack?

Defensive uncertainties aside, Luis Enrique will have a decision to make even in the attacking department.

While Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele appear to be guaranteed starters, who will partner them in the three-pronged PSG attack remains a big question.

Enrique has three options – Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani and Bradley Barcola. Among these three, Barcola is certainly the more explosive option, but he mainly operates out wide.

It was established in the past that Mbappe does not enjoy operating from the middle. As such, Ramos and Kolo Muani – both offering goalscoring options – cannot be ruled out.