PSG and Luis Enrique are sweating on Vitinha’s availability ahead of the Champions League semi-final


Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday he was unsure whether midfield metronome Vitinha would be fit to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Portuguese central midfielder will miss PSG’s 2025/26 Ligue 1 match against Nantes on Wednesday due to a heel infection.

«We will take a calm and measured approach to see how the injured players can make a comeback. But I don’t know,» he told reporters when asked if Vitinha would be back in time for next Tuesday’s first leg of the semi-final at the Parc des Princes.

«We have to keep Vitinha’s slight injury under control; some players are a bit tired or have a few problems,» the Spaniard also said. PSGTV.

Should the 26-year-old be unavailable, his place at the heart of the PSG midfield could be filled by the returning Fabian Ruiz.

Alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, Ruiz formed the midfield trio that anchored much of PSG’s success last season as it won its first Champions League title and lifted the Ligue 1 trophy.

The Spaniard returned for the final 18 minutes of PSG’s 2-1 defeat at home to Lyon last weekend as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.

READ ALSO | Rodri will miss Burnley’s trip as Manchester City chase Arsenal in the Premier League

However, Luis Enrique tempered expectations for the 30-year-old as he said Ruiz “needs time to get back to fitness” after three months on the sidelines.

“Fabian Ruiz needs more games and minutes to recover,” Luis Enrique insisted, before adding that he was nevertheless “happy” with his return against Lyon.

The former Barcelona and Spain coach warned that even as PSG look for a repeat of their double-winning campaign this season, he is still demanding “more” from all his charges.

Exciting Senegalese 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye was left out of the squad for Sunday’s defeat to Lyon. Luis Enrique explained: «Every minute you get to play for PSG has to be special. I don’t regret Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect a lot more from all the players.»

A win in the French capital against Nantes on Wednesday would put PSG three points clear of surprise Ligue 1 title challengers Lens with five games remaining in the campaign.

Published on April 21, 2026



Fuente