PSG lose first-team player to injury ahead of Champions League opener against Girona

Paris Saint-Germain are set to kick off their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign with a home match against Girona at the Parc des Princes. However, the Parisians have been dealt a significant blow in the form of injuries, adding to the already confirmed minor knocks sustained by Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha.

The club has announced that Gianluigi Donnarumma is completely ruled out for the match against the Catalan side due to muscle discomfort in his right leg. The Italian goalkeeper had already been a doubt for the recent clash against Brest due to personal reasons, though he ultimately played in that fixture.

As a result, Luis Enrique will have to face the first match of Europe’s premier competition without one of his most crucial players. Donnarumma is often criticised for his perceived lack of ability in playing the ball with his feet, but his strengths in all other aspects make him undeniably one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

PSG lose first-team player to injury ahead of Champions League opener against Girona

PSG have both Matvey Safonov and Arnau Tenas available to fill the Italian’s absence. The Russian goalkeeper arrived in the French capital this summer for €20 million, while Tenas, although signed on a free transfer after being released by Barcelona, recently helped Spain win Olympic gold, standing out as a key player.

In fact, the Russian goalkeeper has often been compared to Donnarumma, as both are said to share similar strengths and weaknesses. The 25-year-old made 175 appearances for his former club, FC Krasnodar, during which he recorded 53 clean sheets in his time in Russia.

On the other hand, Tenas bears more resemblance to former PSG star Keylor Navas. A shorter goalkeeper, but with impressive reflexes and excellent ball-handling skills, particularly with his feet.

Luis Enrique will now have to decide which option is best to lead PSG into their European campaign.