Barcelona's injuries change the summit's calculations.. Will Achraf Hakimi benefit from the defensive absences?

20.10.26 15:00 Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain

-

:

Barcelona

-

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi could benefit from Barcelona's defensive problems after the Catalan club confirmed that Jules Koundé and Eric García will miss Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint Germain.

PSG welcome Barcelona to the Parc des Princes on 20 October in the third matchday of the 2026 /27 Champions League league phase, with both teams looking to maintain their perfect starts to the competition.

However, Hansi Flick's preparations have been disrupted by injuries sustained during Barcelona's 5-2 victory over Real Betis on Saturday.

The Spanish champions officially confirmed on Monday 19 October, that neither Koundé nor García had been included in the travelling squad.

Their absence presents a significant challenge for Barcelona's defence ahead of a match against a PSG attack featuring the pace and attacking movement of Hakimi.

Read Also: A surprise January heist: The Senegalese Premier League defender on PSG's radar

Barcelona confirm Koundé & Eric García injuries

According to Barcelona's official medical update, García suffered a right thigh injury and is expected to remain sidelined for three to 4 weeks.

Koundé, meanwhile, sustained a sprained left ankle and has been ruled out of the PSG encounter.

The French defender's availability for Sunday's El Clásico against Real Madrid will depend on his recovery.

Both players experienced physical problems during the victory over Betis, with García unable to complete the match and Koundé reporting discomfort after the final whistle.

As Foot Africa previously reported on Barcelona's defensive concerns, Gerard Martín had also experienced discomfort during the match.

However, Martín has recovered sufficiently to be included in Barcelona's official squad for the trip to Paris.

Flick can also call upon Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde, João Cancelo and Xavi Espart as he considers his defensive options.

Why could Barcelona's defensive absences benefit Achraf Hakimi?

Hakimi's attacking influence is an important component of Luis Enrique's tactical approach.

The Moroccan right back frequently advances into attacking positions, combining with PSG's forwards and providing additional width in the final third.

Koundé's absence primarily affects Barcelona's right flank, rather than the side Hakimi normally attacks.

However, losing both the Frenchman and García reduces Flick's defensive flexibility and could complicate Barcelona's attempts to contain PSG's transitions.

The absence of García who can operate centrally or at right back, is particularly significant because it limits the options available to reorganise the back line.

Hakimi could therefore benefit from facing a defence that has been forced into changes, although the final tactical implications will depend on Barcelona's starting lineup.

Hakimi returns to Champions League action after historic Manchester City victory

The Barcelona encounter comes less than a week after Hakimi achieved another European milestone.

The Moroccan played the full 90 minutes as PSG defeated Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium on 14 October.

As Foot Africa reported following the victory, Hakimi reached 79 Champions League appearances, moving ahead of Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o in the publication's ranking of African players.

The 27 year old will now look to build on that achievement against Barcelona, a club he has faced several times during his European career.

However, PSG are dealing with a defensive concern of their own.

Portuguese left back Nuno Mendes is reportedly unavailable against Barcelona because of a thigh injury, potentially forcing Luis Enrique to make changes on the opposite flank.

When is PSG vs Barcelona and what happens next?

Paris Saint Germain will host Barcelona on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 local time in France.

PSG enter the encounter following Champions League victories over Slovan Bratislava and Manchester City.

Barcelona have also won their opening two European matches, defeating Feyenoord and Galatasaray.

The fixture therefore offers both teams an opportunity to strengthen their position in the league phase standings.

The official starting lineups will determine how both coaches respond to their respective defensive problems.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Paris Saint-Germain

Barcelona

Champions League