Officially: Paris Saint-Germain announce the absence of their standout star from the Barcelona clash

A painful blow for Paris

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that one of their key men will sit out Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Barcelona.

This was the Parisians' biggest fear after Saturday's 3-1 win over Strasbourg. Now it's official.

Nuno Mendes faces several weeks on the sidelines after coming off in the 86th minute with pain in his thigh.

A medical statement released on Sunday spelled out the damage.

It read: "After sustaining an injury to his left thigh during last night's match against Strasbourg, Nuno Mendes will be out of action for the coming weeks."

Luis Enrique has lost a serious weapon. The coach explained after the match that he had preferred not to take a risk with his Portuguese full-back.

Timing could hardly be worse, with Barcelona up next in the Champions League.

Mendes will therefore miss the trip to the Blaugrana, and with it the duel against Lamine Yamal that so many were waiting for.

Making matters worse, Lucas Beraldo's replacement Lucas Digne has yet to convince since arriving in the capital.

Criticised for his display against Strasbourg, the French full-back may now be asked to keep a lid on the rising Spanish star, who dazzled against Real Betis this week.