Two days before the great shock of the Champions League against FC Barcelona, all the questions concerned Vitinha's state of health. Released prematurely during the victory against Auxerre after feeling muscle discomfort, the Portuguese environment crystallized all the concerns. In a context already weighed down by an overloaded infirmary, his possible package would have been a new blow for Luis Enrique.
Good news falls for PSG
Finally, the verdict fell: except a huge twist, Vitinha will be present to challenge Barça. The medical examinations carried out on Monday confirmed that it was only a slight alert, and the Parisian staff expects to see it begin at the center of the game. This availability constitutes an immense relief for Luis Enrique, as the Portuguese has become essential for collective balance. Decisive against Auxerre before his release, he remains one of the most influential men of this start to the season.
His return comes in a particularly worrying health context. Ousmane Dembélé (Ischios), Marquinhos (Quadriceps) and Désiré Doué (calf) are already forfeits for this poster. João Neves and Khvicha KVaratskhelia remain very uncertain, the first having not resumed collective training, the second always suffering from thigh pain. In this chaos, the announced return of Vitinha, as well as that of Fabian Ruiz, offers a breath of fresh air in Luis Enrique.
Vitinha has a central role in the Enrique Plan
Vitinha, the return that changes everything for Paris
The Spanish technician has never hidden the importance of the Portuguese environment in his system
: “I don't see two players better than him at his post”he confided last season. Its vision, its quality of projection and its ability to dictate the tempo are crucial in the face of a Barcelona team which excels in controlling the ball. Without him, Paris would have lost an essential part of his game identity.
Even with Vitinha, PSG will have to deal with a decimated spine for this European shock. Luis Enrique could be forced to tinker, by integrating young people from the training center or by repositioning certain executives. But the main thing is there: Paris can count on one of its brains in the middle to try to dominate Barcelona and take a decisive option in this group stage. In a context of physical crisis, it is an already precious victory before the hour.
