Following Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 victory against German side Bayern Munich, the Parisians will be facing Real Madrid in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup, who are charged up to win their first trophy under their new manager Xabi Alonso.
Unfortunately PSG will have to play the semi-final without William Pacho after receiving a red card following his tackle on Leon Goretzka. The young defender has been a pivotal part of the squad with his recovery abilities during PSG's high press. Lucas Beraldo is most likely to replace Pacho in the game against Los Blancos.
Another setback for Paris will be the absence of full back Lucas Hernandez, who was also sent off during the quarter final clash against Bayern.
Real Madrid will also be without their starting centre back Dean Huijsen who was also sent off during Madrid's game against Borussia Dortmund.
This semifinal clash is also seen as the face off between the two Ballon d'Or contenders, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. Both Dembele and Mbappe are yet to start a game in the Club World Cup but with their return to full fitness, both sides will have their star players available for the game.
With the return of Dembele Luis Enrique might just drop Bradley Barcola and start with his prefered front three of Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The two sides last met during their 2021-22 season Champions League Round of 16 which unfortunately didn't end well for PSG as they got knocked out by Real as the game ended with a 2-4 aggregate loss for the Parisians.
The game is predicted to be a high scoring one with both the managers being attacking minded but with a place in the final of the CWC at stake, the two sides will most likely make sure not to leave any gaps with their starting centre backs ruled out of the clash.
Image credit- Paris Saint-Germain Football Club