Luis Enrique weighs PSG rotation in Ligue 1 before Bayern return as Hakimi ruled out

TL;DR

PSG coach Luis Enrique is considering squad rotation in Ligue 1 while preparing for a crucial Champions League match against Bayern. Defender Achraf Hakimi will miss upcoming games due to injury, adding to the team's challenges.

Key points

Luis Enrique faces rotation decisions for PSG.
Achraf Hakimi is out with a thigh injury.
PSG leads Ligue 1 by six points over Lens.
PSG has a crucial Champions League match against Bayern.
Gonçalo Ramos is suspended for the match against Lorient.

Paris Saint-GermainBayern MunichLorientLens

PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique faces a difficult strategic dilemma. As he pursues back-to-back Champions League trophies, Luis Enrique must ensure he's also still fielding competitive teams in the closing stages of Ligue 1. Brilliant on the European stage, PSG has been less dominant domestically and holds a six-point lead over second-placed Lens. Both sides have four games left and Luis Enrique’s team has to travel to Lens on May 13, postponed from April 11 due to PSG’s involvement in the Champions League. The reigning French champion hosts mid-table Lorient at the Parc des Princes on Saturday followed by next week's trip to Bayern, where it will defend a one-goal advantage after a thrilling 5-4 win over the Bundesliga champion midweek. PSG's squad depth gives Luis Enrique plenty of options, but heavy rotation this month backfired in a 2-1 home defeat to Lyon as substitutes Illia Zabarnyi, Gonçalo Ramos and Lucas Beraldo underperformed.

Key matchups

Lens came back from two goals down but dropped important points in a 3-3 draw at last week. The northern side has no room for mistakes when it travels south to Nice on Saturday. Behind PSG and Lens, the fight for the Champions League places is intense. Seven-time champion Lyon and fourth-placed are level on points with the top three gaining direct entry to the Champions League, and the side in fourth entering qualifying. Lyon hosts in-from on Sunday while Lille takes on Le Havre. Lagging four points behind Lyon, sixth-placed Marseille still hopes to secure Champions League football and travels to struggling on Saturday.

Q&A

What is Achraf Hakimi's injury status for PSG?

Achraf Hakimi is ruled out for several weeks due to a right thigh injury.

How is PSG performing in Ligue 1 compared to the Champions League?

PSG holds a six-point lead in Ligue 1 but has faced challenges domestically, while they are competing strongly in the Champions League.

What are the upcoming matches for PSG in Ligue 1 and the Champions League?

PSG will host Lorient in Ligue 1 and then travel to Bayern for the Champions League semifinal return leg.