Liverpool are making preparations for a Champions League quarter-final first leg against PSG, and have been given a fresh update on Bradley Barcola.
PSG’s attack is up there with the very best in Europe, and Barcola is a big part of that. The Frenchman picked up a knock in mid-March that has seen him sidelined until now.
Fortunately for Liverpool, he is confirmed to miss the first leg on Wednesday night, with his recovery not yet complete. It’s welcome news for Arne Slot, who will be desperate to limit damage at the Parc des Princes, keeping the tie within reach for the return leg at Anfield.
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Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Bradley Barcola injury timeline shared ahead of Liverpool ties
An update from Fabrice Hawkins — confirmed by a club announcement from PSG — has ruled Barcola out of the first leg as he continues his recovery. As for the second leg, there’s hope.
He writes on X: “Bradley Barcola will not play in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool. The winger is continuing his return-to-play protocol.
However, he is recovering faster than expected from his ankle sprain, and that’s the good news. A decision will be made in the coming days to assess how he’s feeling.”
Liverpool have a long-held interest in Barcola, seeing the winger as an elite talent who could fill the void that will be left by Mo Salah’s departure this summer. PSG have stated their desire to keep him at the club.
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PSG players celebrate after scoring during the Ligue 1 match against Toulouse at the Parc des Princes (Credit: Getty Images/Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images
There’s a reason Liverpool want him, and it’s the same reason they will be motivated by his absence.
That being said, the Parisians have no shortage of attacking firepower and will still be able to field a front three of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
Still, not having that fourth elite option to bring on goes some way to levelling the playing field. Don’t get it twisted, though, the Reds are still big underdogs.
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