Barcelona defender will test himself in training today before decision on starting berth vs PSG

· BarcaUniversal

Hansi Flick has received a timely boost ahead of FC Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, with Gerard Martin recovering sufficiently to be included in the squad. The versatile defender played only the first half against Real Betis on Saturday after taking a blow to his Achilles tendon. Fortunately, further examinations ruled […] The post Barcelona defender will test himself in training today before decision on starting berth vs PSG appeared first on Barca Universal .

Hansi Flick has received a timely boost ahead of FC Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, with Gerard Martin recovering sufficiently to be included in the squad .

The versatile defender played only the first half against Real Betis on Saturday after taking a blow to his Achilles tendon.

Fortunately, further examinations ruled out a significant injury, allowing the German coach to name him in the travelling party.

Training feelings will define role

Now, according to Javi Miguel of AS , Martin will be assessed during this afternoon’s training session at the Parc des Princes to determine how he feels.

If he responds well during the sessions, he is expected to start against PSG. However, if the discomfort persists or he does not feel fully comfortable, he could begin the match on the bench.

Barça will be keenly monitoring Martin’s situation in training today as he has established himself as an important player for the team under Flick.

So far this season, Martin has featured in nine of Barcelona’s 11 matches in all competitions, starting seven of those.

Three defenders unavailable against PSG

Martin’s availability becomes even more important for the Blaugrana as they are severely short on options in the defensive line heading into Tuesday’s contest.

Indeed, Andreas Christensen remains unavailable through the injury he picked up before the international break.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia have also been ruled out following their fresh injuries this past weekend in the La Liga game against Real Betis.

It has left Flick with only Pau Cubarsi and Martin as established options at centre-back, with the manager calling up Barça Atletic starlet Alex Campos as cover in the position for the trip to the French capital.

The training session later today at Parc des Princes will therefore dictate Flick’s decisions for tomorrow’s game. If Martin feels ready, he will start against the current European champions.

If not, the manager could turn to someone like Frenkie de Jong, having tested him at centre-back in past training sessions. Perhaps, marquee summer signing Rodri, too, could be an option.

Read the original

People in this story

Related