- Paris Saint-Germain will be without Nuno Mendes for Tuesday’s Champions League match against FC Barcelona after he sustained a left thigh injury
- FC Barcelona will travel to the Parc des Princes without Jules Koundé and Eric García, the club have confirmed
- Both teams are dealing with these absences during a demanding run of fixtures before the November international break
Champions League Build-Up Disrupted By Defensive Injuries
Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona have both suffered significant defensive setbacks ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes, with Nuno Mendes ruled out for the hosts and Jules Koundé and Eric García unavailable for the visitors.
PSG confirmed that Mendes sustained a left thigh injury during the club’s 3-1 away win against RC Strasbourg on Saturday. The Portuguese full-back will miss the meeting with the Blaugrana and is also expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks according to the club statement.
For Luis Enrique the timing is particularly difficult. PSG are in the middle of a congested schedule, with Olympique Lyonnais next Sunday followed by fixtures against Le Havre, Villarreal and Troyes before the November international break.
❗️ MEDICAL NEWS
First-team player Eric Garcia has suffered a muscle injury to the rectus femoris in his right thigh. His recovery time is estimated at 3 to 4 weeks.
First-team player Jules Kounde has suffered a sprain to his left ankle and will miss the match against PSG. His availability for Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid will depend on how his injury progresses.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 18, 2026
Barcelona Also Missing Koundé And García
Barcelona have confirmed that Koundé will not be available for the away match against PSG after suffering a sprained left ankle. The Blaugrana stated that whether the French defender is included in the Catalan squad for the home match against Real Madrid next Sunday will depend on how his injury develops.
García is also out after sustaining a right thigh injury during Barça’s 2-5 victory over Real Betis on Saturday. The club confirmed that he will be sidelined for three to four weeks.
The double defensive absence is a notable issue for Hansi Flick and the Catalan side, who are also navigating a busy calendar. After the PSG fixture, Barcelona are set to face Los Merengues in the Clasico next Sunday, before matches against Alavés, Aston Villa and Atlético de Madrid ahead of the November international break.
Mendes’ Role And Portugal Question
Mendes has been an important figure for PSG since the beginning of the season, making seven appearances in all competitions, including five as a starter. His absence therefore removes a regular option from Luis Enrique’s squad at a key stage of the campaign.
There has not yet been any mention of whether Mendes will be called up by the Portuguese national team for the upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales.
