The Champions League resumes on Tuesday night with the last 16 phase. Paris Saint Germain host Chelsea in the French capital but have a host of
ADVERTISEMENTThe Champions League resumes on Tuesday night with the last 16 phase.
Paris Saint Germain host Chelsea in the French capital but have a host of injury concerns.
Laurent Blanc lost key players in their dramatic 2-2 draw with Caen at the weekend.
Yohan Cabaye, Marquinhos, Serge Aurier and Lucas all sustained injuries in the league match and are doubts.
Defender David Luiz is fit though and will feature against his former club.
Already with a long injury list Blanc is hoping his men keep out of the referee’s book on the night.
Former France international and Manchester United defender Blanc said: ‘‘Knowing Jose Mourinho a little bit, he will try to bring the heat up on the pitch, if you see what I mean. So our players need to remain cool-headed and not react and keep calm.”
In a repeat of last April’s quarter-final Chelsea will be hoping to again prevail over the two legs.
Ending their French opponent’s 32-game unbeaten home record in Uefa competition would be a good start.
Despite serving a domestic ban Chelsea’s leading scorer Diego Costa will be available for the tie as will new recruit Juan Cuadrado while John Obi Mikel faces a late fitness test for a knee problem.
Coach Jose Mourinho meanwhile continues his bid to become the first manager to win the competition with three different clubs.
Tuesday also sees Shakhtar Donetsk host five times european champions Bayern Munich, who are full of confidence after recording their biggest league win in 30 years with an 8-0 hammering of Hamburg at the weekend.