Flick in trouble: uncertainty over the fitness of Barcelona star for Paris clash
Barcelona defender Gerard Martin is a doubt for the upcoming Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain due to persistent ankle swelling. Manager Hansi Flick faces a defensive crisis with several other key players already sidelined.
Why it matters
Injuries to key personnel impact team performance and tactical decisions in high-stakes European football competitions.
Flick in trouble: uncertainty over the fitness of Barcelona star for the Paris clash H. Flick G. Martin Barcelona Paris Saint-Germain LaLiga Champions League Germany Spain France A risky option
Doubts surround the fitness of Barcelona defender Gerard Martin ahead of Tuesday's clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the third round of the Champions League league phase.
The problem is persistent swelling in his ankle after a heavy stamp against Real Betis at the end of last week.
Spanish newspaper "Sport" report that medical examinations ruled out any structural injury to Martin. They found no internal damage, but the swelling in the ankle remains.
Whether he starts or even makes the squad looks set to go down to the wire.
Hansi Flick faces a tricky tactical puzzle in the French capital. His defensive line is threadbare, with Eric Garcia, Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen all out.
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