Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has officially confirmed their traveling squad for the high-stakes UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. While the Parisian giants hold a narrow lead following a thrilling 5-4 victory in the first leg, they must defend it without one of their most vital defensive assets.
Achraf Hakimi Injury Blow
The major headline from the squad announcement is the absence of Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan international sustained a right thigh injury during the closing stages of the first-leg encounter at the Parc des Princes. Club medical staff have confirmed that Hakimi will be sidelined for “the next few weeks,” ruling him out of this crucial European decider and potentially key upcoming Ligue 1 fixtures.
Hakimi’s absence is a significant loss for manager Luis Enrique, as the defender has been in stellar form this season with 11 direct goal contributions. In his stead, 20-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery is expected to deputize at right-back, as he has done previously when needed.
Confirmed PSG Squad List
Despite the defensive setback, PSG travels to Munich with a star-studded lineup looking to secure a spot in the final. The squad includes:
• Defenders: Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Lucas Beraldo, Lucas Hernandez, Illia Zabarnyi.
• Midfielders: Vitinha, João Neves, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Fabian Ruiz, Lee Kang-In, Senny Mayulu.
• Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Gonçalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Ibrahim Mbaye.
• Goalkeepers: Matvey Safonov, Renato Marin.
Key Players to Watch
With Hakimi out, much of the creative burden will fall on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is currently tied with Zlatan Ibrahimović for the most PSG goals in a single Champions League season (10). Additionally, Ousmane Dembélé could make history as the first Parisian to score two or more goals in three consecutive UCL matches.
PSG remains the favorite to advance, but the hostile atmosphere of the Allianz Arena and the absence of their star right-back will provide the ultimate test of their championship credentials.