PSG handed welcome injury boost ahead of Champions League clash with Liverpool

Paris Saint-Germain have been handed an injury boost ahead of their Champions League crunch match with Liverpool after welcoming Bradley Barcola back to the squad.

The France international had been sidelined for ⁠a month after ​suffering a ⁠severe ankle ligament sprain during the Champions League last-16 ⁠second leg at Chelsea.

Barcola missed PSG's ​last ⁠three matches across ‌all competitions, as well as France's friendlies in the United States against Brazil ‌and Colombia.

However, the winger has been named in the travelling squad for Tuesday night’s Anfield clash, adding depth to the French giants’ relentless attack that includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, with the latter two scoring in the first leg.

Bradley Barcola is back in contention for PSG after a month out (Reuters)

PSG manager Luis Enrique hailed Barcola’s return but did hint that it will be touch and go whether he will feature, perhaps suggesting that any cameo will come off the bench rather than as a starter.

“We are going to have to see after training,” he said. “Each time we have a player coming back from injury it's always good news.

“He's been out three weeks and has been working hard to get back and we'll have to see how he's feeling today. It's important for us to get players back.”

Midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who has been sidelined since January with a knee ‌injury, remains unavailable.

"The good news ​is that Fabian (Ruiz) is on ‌the mend and ⁠training with the team," ⁠Enrique added.

PSG will hope to add to their 2-0 advantage after outclassing Liverpool in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, staving off the sort of European comeback they will know their opponents are capable of.

PSG manager Luis Enrique during a press conference (PA)

But having dealt with Anfield last season to knock the Reds out on penalties in the last-16, right-back Achraf Hakimi says PSG are confident they can withstand any fightback attempt.

“We know of course there is going to be a wonderful atmosphere tomorrow,” Hakimi said. “We know all about that and the Liverpool fans and our fans will be here tomorrow to support us.

“We know what happened last year. That gives us more confidence in ourselves to manage the game.”