Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller at the Parc des Princes in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final. The Parisians were uplifted by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé who both delivered amazing performances and scored braces in the win.
However, this victory did not come without a cost as Achraf Hakimi suffered a muscular injury in the dying embers of the clash. The first report suggested that it could have been only cramps, but unfortunately, in the latest injury report of the club, it was indicated that the Morocco international's injury was serious as he will miss several weeks of action, including the second-leg against Bayern Munich next Wednesday. His injury left PSG in a tough position ahead of this crucial game who will decide who qualifies for the final.
The same injury update revealed that Lucas Chevalier suffered an injury to his right thigh during Wednesday's training session. The France international who is now second-choice goalkeeper is set to miss several weeks of competition.
Hakimi and Chevalier set to miss the second-leg against Bayern Munich
The European Champions will have a very difficult task ahead of them when facing Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich next Wednesday at the Allianz Arena. They will have to secure their spot in the Champions League final without one of their leaders as Hakimi will be sidelined with a muscular injury.
Luis Enrique will have a tough choice to make to keep his team competitive. The likely choice will be to use Warren Zaire-Emery as a right-back and give him a very difficult battle against Luis Diaz. The Columbian is having an incredible first season with the Bavarians and just delivered a top-level performance in the first-leg against Hakimi.
The question that comes is: Will Zaire-Emery be able to contain Diaz when even Hakimi struggled to do so? Some of the positives and negatives of this first-leg were how easy it was for both sides to breach defences. Therefore the main focus for the Parisians and Warren Zaire-Emery will be to remain focus defensively and stop Bayern's offensive stars to shine.
While Chevalier's absence is far from being detrimental for the Parisians, losing Achraf Hakimi is a massive blow and could cost them a spot in the Champions League final. This team has had to deal with a lot of injuries this season but this time might be the one to end their hopes of back-to-back European title.
