Liverpool's Uphill Battle Against PSG Marred by Injury Woes
Liverpool are set to host Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday night in a crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg, tasked with staging a remarkable comeback after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg. The Reds, under manager Arne Slot, face a daunting challenge as they aim to overturn the deficit and advance to the semi-finals for the first time in four years.
Injury Crisis Hits Liverpool Squad
The home side could be missing at least five key players for this high-stakes encounter. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined with a fresh injury sustained before the March international break, with Slot confirming his return is unlikely until the closing stages of the season, though there is optimism he may feature in next month's trip to Manchester United.
Midfielder Wataru Endo's season ended prematurely due to a foot injury in February, though he is targeting a comeback ahead of the summer's World Cup. Defender Giovanni Leoni, who damaged his ACL on his debut in September 2025, is expected to be out until the start of the next campaign, while Conor Bradley is another long-term casualty with a significant knee issue from January.
Curtis Jones adds to the concerns after picking up a muscle problem in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday. Slot provided a concerning update, stating he doubts Jones will be fit for the PSG match, though the midfielder was seen training with teammates on Monday, offering a glimmer of hope.
PSG's Mixed Injury News
On the opposing side, PSG have received a boost with Bradley Barcola returning to the squad after a month out with an ankle ligament sprain. However, they will be without Fabian Ruiz and Quentin Ndjantou, bringing the total potential absentees across both teams to seven players. PSG boss Luis Enrique noted that Ruiz is on the mend and training, but his availability remains uncertain.
First Leg Recap and Stakes for the Return
In the first leg at Parc des Princes, PSG dominated with 18 shots, six on target, and 2.35 expected goals, but Liverpool managed to limit the damage to goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Despite the convincing performance from the French side, Liverpool's 2-0 deficit leaves them with a genuine opportunity to progress if they can capitalize on home advantage.
This match not only tests Liverpool's resilience but also highlights the impact of injuries on top-level football, with both teams navigating squad limitations in pursuit of Champions League glory.
