The last championship match once again had harmful consequences on the PSG squad, as a decisive meeting in the Champions League looms. Luis Enrique can already worry about the best team composition to face Dortmund.
The transfer window is supposed to repair the shortcomings of a squad, and there is no doubt that some must have choked up when seeing the defensive line of PSG against Le Havre on Sunday at 1 p.m. Hakimi-Danilo-Mukiele-Soler, a single indisputable holder. Luis Enrique didn't really have a choice, between the need to breathe some much-used elements (Lucas Hernandez, Skriniar), unexpected absences (Marquinhos) and long-term absences (Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes). Add to this the injury exit of Fabian Ruiz, the expulsion of Donnarumma, the affected ankle of Manuel Ugarte, the long unavailability of Zaire-Emery, and you obtain the recipe for a PSG still heavily handicapped when it comes time to play a decisive Champions League match .
Because this is what is looming with the momentous trip to Borussia Dortmund on December 13 . There is a home match against Nantes next Saturday, but all eyes are already on the Champions League, while PSG will need a victory to finish first in their group, while all any other result could condemn him to a pitiful elimination . The solutions are meager for Luis Enrique, who will, in addition, have to compose without Ousmane Dembélé, the destabilizing element of his attack, suspended. Offensively, he has other cartridges, like Barcola, Kolo-Muani (who can play on the right) or Kang In Lee. But the latter could be required to play in the midfield given the numerous unavailability.
Which midfielder in Dortmund?
Against Newcastle at the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique gave up his ultra-offensive 4-2-4 for a very clear 4-3-3 low point, with Ugarte as sentry, Fabian Ruiz and Kang-In Lee as relays. We can imagine that he will keep the same system away from home, where PSG lost their two matches in the Champions League (4-1 against Newcastle then 2-1 against AC Milan). Logic would dictate that Vitinha digitally replaces Fabian Ruiz, probably absent until the end of 2023. But PSG will then lack weight and impact in the midfield. Also hoping that Ugarte doesn't get injured between now and then...
Another solution would be to move Danilo back to his real position, in the middle, but Luis Enrique does not seem inclined to do so. Finally, there remains the option Carlos Soler, whose real position is central midfielder. Maybe we'll find out one day, who knows... As for the defense, Marquinhos will have to return to 100% of his abilities, and Skriniar will no longer be sick like he was against Le Havre. And the starting defense could be lined up to defend Donnarumma, who will be suspended for the match against Nantes on Saturday. This will give him time to reflect on his outings and work on his deficient foot game.