PSG vs Liverpool: Injury Updates and Predicted Lineups

Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are set to meet in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, marking a return to the knockout stages for two clubs that clashed during the 2024-25 season.

The matchup follows a previous encounter in the 2024-25 Round of 16, where PSG eliminated Liverpool. In that tie, the Parisians overcame a 1-0 first-leg deficit at the Parc des Princes to eventually defeat the Reds on penalties at Anfield.

PSG went on to win the competition for the first time in their history following that victory over Liverpool. Now, the two sides meet again in France for the first leg of the quarterfinal stage.

Liverpool Squad Updates and Injury Concerns

Liverpool enters the clash during a challenging 2025-26 season, having recently suffered a defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals. Manager Arne Slot faces several significant personnel absences heading into the match in Paris.

Alisson Becker remains sidelined, with the Brazilian goalkeeper expected to return by the end of April 2026. Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start both legs of the quarterfinal.

There is optimism regarding the return of Alexander Isak, who has been out since late December 2025 with a broken leg. Isak returned to training the week prior to April 7, 2026 and was involved with the group on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, making him a potential addition to the squad for the first leg.

Other long-term absentees for the Merseysiders include Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley. However, Federico Chiesa, Mohamed Salah, and Jeremie Frimpong all played in the recent FA Cup match after shaking off minor fitness concerns.

The team composition has shifted since last season’s tie, as the current squad is without former starters Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the late Diogo Jota.

PSG Personnel and Tactical Outlook

Luis Enrique’s PSG side continues to utilize a 4-3-3 formation, though they are missing key components for this encounter. Fabian Ruiz is unavailable due to a knee injury, and Bradley Barcola is expected to miss the first leg while dealing with an ankle injury.

The squad has also seen a departure in goal, as Gianluigi Donnarumma has moved to Manchester City. Ousmane Dembele remains a doubt as he has been playing with a minor calf injury.

A predicted lineup for the Parisians includes:

• Safonov (GK)
• Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes (Defense)
• Neves, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery (Midfield)
• Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia (Attack)

Historical Context and Match Dynamics

The previous encounter between these two sides highlighted a stark contrast in efficiency. During the first leg of the 2024-25 Round of 16 in Paris, PSG lost despite recording 27 attempts compared to Liverpool’s two.

In the second leg at Anfield, Liverpool put seven of their 19 shots on target, yet PSG ultimately prevailed via a penalty shootout to secure their progression.

For Liverpool, the Champions League run represents a primary source of potential solace in a season described as deeply disappointing. The team’s ability to produce surprises on European nights will be tested against a PSG side that has reached a state of brilliance under Enrique.

The absence of Fabian Ruiz in the midfield is a potential vulnerability that Liverpool may attempt to exploit as they seek to overturn the psychological advantage held by the defending champions.