The hopes of La Liga giants Barcelona of booking a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League could yet be boosted, by way of a crucial absence from the ranks of their upcoming opponents.
Barca, of course, will return to action on the continent early next month.
After sending Napoli packing from the competition in the Round-of-16, the Blaugrana have since been pitted against French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League’s final-8.
The tie is considered a difficult one to call, with neutrals seemingly split down the middle regarding who boasts the advantage when it comes to qualification.
As alluded to above, though, PSG’s hopes of advancing could yet be dented, by an ongoing concern on the personnel front.
Marquinhos, key defender and club captain, has not taken to the pitch since the middle of February, owing to an Achilles injury.
The initial prognosis pointed towards the issue being a less-than-serious one, but, according to Mundo Deportivo, citing French sources, Marquinhos is not expected to return in time to play his part in PSG’s showdown with Olympique Marseille this weekend.
An exact comeback date for the Brazilian, in fact, remains up in the air, with his participation against Barcelona on April 10th therefore far from assured, too.
Conor Laird | GSFN