Lionel Messi's injury highlighted a 2-2 draw between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions league quarterfinals. Will his return highlight the second meeting?
Many thought that Messi would be out for a long period of time following a hamstring injury in the first game. But the team has indicated that he could be back as soon as Wednesday's tilt. Fortunately the team seems in no rush to bring him back after a devastating 5-0 win over Mallorca this weekend that featured a brace from Alexis Sanchez and a hat trick from Cesc Fabregas.
"When you don't have a player like Messi, it's obvious that you have a problem," Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura said after the win. "(But) the squad has shown that it has enormous quality."
The team will be without Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol, but could get a huge boost from Eric Abidal's tremendous performance this weekend in their stead.
Meanwhile, Paris has retained a big league in the French title race, but could be without defender Thiago Silva in the Barcelona bout.
"Thiago Silva suffered a knock on his knee against Barcelona on Tuesday," Coach Carlo Ancelotti told the French media on Saturday. "Will he be ready for Wednesday? I don't know, we'll see."
"Everyone knows it will be difficult, I don't know how much chance we have to progress," Ancelotti said about his chances against Barcelona. "We have to be tough. We're not going there to defend, we can't afford to. We have to be brave, because to get to the semifinals we have to win."
However, the team can feel comfortable knowing that one French icon is pulling for them: Zinedane Zidane.
"I will be supporting Paris. I am behind the French club," the 40-year-old told RMC Sport. "This game is positive for French football. Even though I am from Marseille it is rather nice to see Paris to rub shoulders with Barcelona."
However, Zidane agrees that the match will be tricky. "I see it being hard for them. But I think the fact that they scored late in the game means it will be interesting. It will be difficult at Camp Nou but this is a team that is capable of worrying Barca," he noted.
The two away goals give Barcelona a huge advantage and they can play for a draw. Paris needs to pull off a victory.
Prediction: Barcelona holds Paris to a 0-0 draw.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
TV Info: Fox Soccer Channel
Watch Highlights And Read Recap From First Leg HERE.