Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has been declared fit and included in the squad for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich. The club confirmed the 23-man group on Tuesday morning, with manager Luis Enrique able to call upon the Portuguese playmaker after an Achilles inflammation scare.
Vitinha returned to training on Monday after sustaining the issue during PSG's 2-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Lyon earlier this month. His inclusion is a significant boost for the French champions, with reports suggesting he is even in contention for a starting role at the Parc des Princes. Full-back Achraf Hakimi, who was substituted at half-time against Angers last weekend as a precaution, is also available for selection.
According to the club's announcement, the squad is at full strength for the first time this season, with only 18-year-old academy product Quentin Ndjantou absent due to a hamstring injury sustained in December. This availability provides Enrique with a full complement of options for one of the biggest matches of PSG's campaign, as they seek a first-leg advantage against the German giants.
The return of Vitinha is particularly timely given his importance to PSG's midfield structure this season. Since his move from Porto in 2022, the 24-year-old has developed into a key orchestrator for the Parisians, offering control and progressive passing from central areas. His potential partnership with Warren Zaïre-Emery and Fabián Ruiz will be crucial in managing the tempo against a Bayern midfield expected to include the experience of Joshua Kimmich.
This fixture renews a recent and intense Champions League rivalry between the two clubs. They last met in the 2021 quarter-finals, with PSG advancing, and have been frequent opponents in the knockout stages over the past decade. The match also marks a return to his former club for Bayern's French defenders Dayot Upamecano and Benjamin Pavard, adding a personal subplot to the high-stakes encounter.
With the Ligue 1 title already secured, PSG's entire focus is on securing a place in the Champions League final at Wembley. A fully fit squad, headlined by Vitinha's recovery, removes a major obstacle as they prepare for the tactical battle against Thomas Tuchel's side. The outcome of this tie could define the narrative of PSG's season and their ongoing quest for European glory.
