Barcelona faces defensive losses ahead of the match with PSG

Health problems for both footballers arose during Saturday’s match against Betis, which ended with a Catalan victory 5:2. García suffered a thigh injury and, according to preliminary estimates, will be out for up to four weeks. Thus, the Spaniard will also miss Sunday’s El Clasico against Madrid’s Real.

Koundé in the same match injured his ankle. The condition of the French defender will be assessed before the next La Liga match, in which Barcelona will host Real at the Spotify Camp Nou stadium. However, he will definitely miss the Champions League match against PSG.

Losing both players at once creates additional difficulties for the Catalans’ head coach Hansi Flick. This season, the specialist used García and Koundé in the right‑back position, so ahead of important fixtures he will have to look for alternative options on this defensive flank.

What to do for García and Koundé owners in the Champions League Fantasy League

For those who kept these players in their squads for the upcoming round of Fantasy CL, it is definitely worth making replacements for García and Koundé in their line‑ups, and if there is a transfer option without losing points – consider that as well.

Overall, fielding Barcelona defenders for the new round of the Champions League Fantasy League, considering the match against the tournament winner – French PSG, did not look like a good idea initially. Except perhaps using only defensive players with attacking functions in the squad, and here, by the way, you can turn your attention to another Blaugrana player – Portuguese João Cancelo.

He actively joins his team’s attacks, provides goal assists and even scores himself. Cancelo already has 15 points in the Fantasy CL this season, and only Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have scored more in the whole team. So we would recommend replacing García and Koundé with Cancelo if you want to have a Barcelona player in your Champions League Fantasy line‑up.

If you are ready to consider defensive players for the Fantasy CL for the 3rd round from other clubs, here are three more interesting options:

• Marc Bartra (Betis) – cost 4.6 million (has already accumulated 20 Fantasy points this season)

In the upcoming round he will play at home against Feyenoord, so there are chances both for defensive points and for points earned from joining attacks (and Bartra excels on set pieces against the opponent’s goal).

• Pau Torres (Aston Villa) – cost 4.6 million (has 14 points)

He plays at home against the modest Norwegian Viking. Expected to start in the main lineup.

• Marc Guehi (Manchester City) – cost 5.1 million (has 11 points)

Man City will host Greek AEK at home, so the Citizens’ players in general will be very popular in the Champions League Fantasy this week. Specifically regarding Guehi, one can note reliable defensive actions + joining attacks on set pieces.