Barcelona optimistic key defender will start against PSG despite lingering discomfort

Barcelona optimistic key defender will start against PSG despite lingering discomfort Barcelona have received a significant boost ahead of their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, with Gerard Martin completing Monday’s training session despite continuing to experience discomfort in his foot.  Hansi Flick will make a final decision on the defender’s availability on Tuesday morning, as the Catalans weigh their options with several key defenders unavailable. According to Mundo Deportivo , optimism is growing that Martin could start at the Parc des Princes.  However, it is crucial to note that completing training has not entirely settled concerns over his fitness, leaving Barcelona’s defensive plans dependent on the outcome of a final medical assessment. Gerard Martin faces late fitness test before PSG Match Martin sustained the problem during Barcelona’s match against Real Betis, when he suffered a stamp that left him in discomfort for several hours.  An MRI scan conducted at the Ciutat Esportiva found no injury, offering relief to the club’s medical staff . Gerard Martin completed training on Monday. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Nevertheless, swelling around the affected area has continued to cause pain when the defender puts weight on his foot.  That discomfort remains the central concern ahead of a match in which Barcelona will need their available defenders to cope with PSG’s attacking threat. For now, Martin trained with his teammates at the Parc des Princes on Monday, an encouraging development that has strengthened hopes of his involvement.  The medical staff will assess his condition on Tuesday morning before Flick makes the final call. Flick considers Rodri and Frenkie de Jong as alternatives Barcelona’s shortage of defensive options makes Martin’s fitness even more important.  Rodri could feature as a centre-back if Gerard Martin is rested. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) With Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde ruled out , Flick must consider alternative combinations at centre-back alongside Pau Cubarsi if the left-footed defender is not cleared to start. On that note, Rodri is one possibility. The midfielder has previous experience playing in central defence for both Manchester City and Spain, making him an emergency option should Barcelona require greater flexibility at the back. Frenkie de Jong is another option. The Dutch international has occasionally featured in central defence, although he has not played a single minute this season.  That lack of recent match action could complicate the decision to deploy him in such a demanding fixture. Flick has outlined both possibilities, but Martin’s recovery would allow Barcelona to avoid making a potentially disruptive change to their defensive structure.