PSG lost its most important player in the big match with Barca

In the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tonight, Paris Saint-Germain will face Barca's quality attack without captain Thiago Silva.

Thiago Silva has failed a medical and has been left out of PSG's squad for tonight's Champions League round of 16 first leg against Barca. The Brazilian centre-back was also absent from last Friday's match against Bordeaux with a calf injury.

Silva's absence has dealt a blow to PSG's defence going into the game, with Unai Emery also without experienced midfielder Thiago Motta due to suspension.

“Silva is one of the pillars of PSG's defense. I want all their best players on the field,” coach Luis Enrique shared.

Luis Enrique wants to face PSG's strongest squad.

PSG could choose Frenchman Presnel Kimpembe as a centre-back alongside Marquinhos, but this would be risky as Kimpembe has no experience in the Champions League.

If Kimpembe and Marquinhos start, the pair will have an extremely difficult task in trying to limit the influence of the player leading the list of top scorers, Lionel Messi. In addition, Messi's two partners in attack, Neymar and Luis Suarez, are also in very good form, scoring 7 goals in the last 6 matches with Barca.

PSG will be without Thiago Silva in tonight's match against Barca.

“Emery knows us very well. He knows the threat Barca pose to his team. He will make it difficult for us. Of course, PSG are a formidable opponent,” Luis Enrique said.

Luis Enrique appreciates PSG.

“My players are good enough, they also want to compete to develop. This is an opportunity for us to go further,” Emery said.

“We will play to our strengths and not try to imitate Atletico’s tactics. My players feel they are not inferior to MSN,” Emery added.

The match between PSG and Barca tonight is worth waiting for.

After a difficult start to the season, PSG are gradually regaining their form and developing under coach Unai Emery. The team at the Parc des Princes is on an 11-match unbeaten streak, equal to Barca's record.

According to TT&VH