PSG's Nuno Mendes suffers thigh issue but injury not serious
Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes has sustained a minor thigh injury, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The Portuguese left-back was forced off during his side's victory at Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals on Monday night. According to an official medical update posted by the club, Mendes is suffering from "a slight discomfort in the right thigh." He will remain under treatment for the next two days while also completing indoor work, with a planned return to collective training expected to follow.
The news comes as a relief for PSG, given Mendes's concerning history with muscular problems. The 23-year-old missed a significant portion of the 2023-24 campaign after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury. His latest setback, however, appears far less severe. The club's statement also provided a positive update on French midfielder Désiré Doué, who sustained a knock to his knee in the same match but is also expected to resume training shortly.
Mendes's fitness is critical for PSG as they enter the decisive phase of the season. The Parisians are locked in a tight Ligue 1 title race and have advanced to the Champions League semi-finals, where they will face Bayern Munich. The squad faces a congested fixture list, making the availability of key players like Mendes paramount. His pace and attacking thrust from the left flank have been vital components of manager Luis Enrique's system.
The timing of the scare underscores the physical demands on top players. Mendes had only recently regained his starting role following his long-term absence, making his latest issue a cause for concern. Club medical staff will now manage his workload carefully ahead of the crucial final weeks. PSG's next match is a Ligue 1 fixture against mid-table Lens at the Parc des Princes this weekend, a game for which Mendes is now considered a doubt.
With the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern scheduled for late April, PSG will be eager to have Mendes fully recovered. His potential absence would force a tactical reshuffle, likely involving Lucas Hernández or Nordi Mukiele in the defensive line. The club's swift and transparent medical update suggests confidence that the injury is a minor hiccup rather than a major disruption to their end-of-season plans.
