As Champions League returns, 5 key questions that will be answered in PSG-Chelsea clash
Chelsea are in Paris tonight to face PSG for the third year in a row in the Champions League last 16, while Andre Villas-Boas returns to Portugal with Zenit St Petersburg
Will Chelsea’s makeshift defence be able to cope?
Captain John Terry limping off against Newcastle on Saturday was the last thing Chelsea wanted to see, after fellow centre back Kurt Zouma was ruled out for at least six months the week before. Right back Branislav Ivanovic will likely partner Gary Cahill at the back with Baba Rahman coming in at left back and Cesar Azpilicueta moving to right back.
“We made a test this morning and it didn’t work out well so the decision was made to leave him at home,” said Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink on Monday. “He was convinced himself he would not be of worth to the team at the moment.”
PSG’s attack – on fire in Ligue 1 – will likely fancy their chances against the Londoners’ second string back line. And even more worringly is the prospect of Ivanovic or Cahill picking up an injury, which would leave the untested American youngster Matt Miazga, or teenager Jake Clarke-Salter, facing a high-pressure debut.
“[Terry] is an important element of their side. He also gives them an aerial threat in attack,” PSG coach Laurent Blanc said. “On Saturday when he went off it changed their defensive block entirely.”
