PSG and Luis Enrique sweat on Vitinha ahead of Champions League semis

TL;DR

Vitinha will miss PSG's Ligue 1 match against Nantes due to heel inflammation, raising concerns about his availability for the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. Coach Luis Enrique is uncertain about his return but emphasizes a cautious approach to his injury management.

Key points

Vitinha misses match against Nantes due to heel inflammation
Luis Enrique uncertain about Vitinha's availability for Bayern Munich
Fabian Ruiz may replace Vitinha in the midfield

Paris Saint-GermainBayern MunichNantesLyon

Vitinha (R) will miss Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 clash against Nantes due to a heel inflammation (Paul ELLIS) (Paul ELLIS/AFP/AFP) Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said Tuesday he was unsure if midfield metronome Vitinha would be fit to play against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals. The Portuguese central midfielder will miss PSG's Ligue 1 clash against Nantes on Wednesday due to a heel inflammation. "We'll take a calm and measured approach to see how the injured players can make a comeback. But I don't know," he told reporters when asked if Vitinha would be back in time for next Tuesday's semi-final first leg at the Parc des Princes. "We need to manage Vitinha's minor injury; some players are a bit tired or have a few niggles," the Spaniard also told PSGTV. Should the 26-year-old be unavailable, his place at the heart of the PSG midfield could be filled by the returning Fabian Ruiz. Alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, Ruiz formed the midfield trio that anchored much of PSG's success last season as they won a maiden Champions League title and lifted the Ligue 1 trophy. The Spaniard returned for the final 18 minutes of PSG's 2-1 league loss at home to Lyon last weekend as he continues his comeback from a knee injury. Luis Enrique cooled expectations on the 30-year-old, however, as he said Ruiz would need "time to regain fitness" after spending three months on the sidelines. "Fabian Ruiz needs more matches and minutes to recover," Luis Enrique insisted, before adding he was nonetheless "happy" with his return against Lyon. The former and Spain coach warned that even as PSG close in on a repeat of their double-winning season this term, he still demands "more" from all his charges. Exciting Senegalese 18-year-old was not included in the squad for Sunday's defeat to Lyon, with Luis Enrique explaining: "Every minute you get to play for PSG must be special. "I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players." Victory in the French capital against Nantes on Wednesday would send PSG three points clear of surprise Ligue 1 title challengers Lens with five matches remaining in the campaign. ali/nf/dmc

Q&A

What injury is Vitinha dealing with before the Champions League semis?

Vitinha is suffering from heel inflammation, which will prevent him from playing in the match against Nantes.

When is PSG's Champions League semi-final match against Bayern Munich?

The first leg of PSG's Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Who could replace Vitinha in the PSG midfield if he is unavailable?

Fabian Ruiz is expected to fill Vitinha's position in the midfield, although he is also recovering from a knee injury.