Gerard Martin trains in Paris and pushes to start against PSG in Champions League

Barcelona arrived in Paris with encouraging news surrounding Gerard Martin ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first leg. The defender, who had been dealing with foot discomfort after being stepped on during the league match against Sevilla, completed Monday's training session at the Parc des Princes with apparent normality. His chances of starting against Paris Saint-Germain are growing, pending one final check scheduled for Tuesday.

• Gerard Martin trained with the full squad at the match venue and left positive impressions.
• An MRI performed on Sunday at the Ciutat Esportiva ruled out any injury.
• A final decision on whether he starts will be made on Tuesday morning.
• Hansi Flick is also considering Rodri and Frenkie de Jong as options in central defense.
• Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia are out for the European tie, but Kounde could make it back for El Clasico.

Gerard Martin shakes off foot discomfort and completes session at the Parc des Princes

The academy product left a positive impression during Monday's workout. After the stamp suffered in Seville, the player experienced some swelling that caused discomfort when putting weight on his foot. Even so, he was able to train with his teammates on the Parisian pitch, a signal that has boosted confidence inside the dressing room.

Medical tests rule out injury as Tuesday deadline looms

The MRI carried out on Sunday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper showed no tear or structural damage. However, the residual swelling was still causing some discomfort when planting the foot and striking the ball. The plan agreed by the medical staff and the coaching team is to monitor his progress overnight and sit down with the player early on Tuesday to confirm whether he is fit enough to start.

Flick weighs his options next to Cubarsi amid defensive absences

Barcelona's back line arrives in Paris missing key pieces. Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia did not travel with the squad, forcing the German coach to rebuild the center of defense. Pau Cubarsi has a guaranteed place, but his partner is still to be determined.

Rodri and De Jong emerge as alternatives for the back line

During his pre-match press conference, Hansi Flick named two candidates to partner Cubarsi. The first is Rodri, a converted midfielder who has already played as a center back both at Manchester City and with the Spanish national team. The second is Frenkie de Jong, who has occasionally operated in the heart of defense, although he has yet to play any minutes this season. His first call-up came in the match at La Cartuja.

Alex Campos joins the squad with the number 41 shirt

The absences of Kounde and Eric Garcia led Flick to call up Alex Campos, a central defender from Barca Atletic, for the trip to Paris. The young defender features in a first-team squad for the first time and will wear the number 41 jersey. His presence adds another defensive option for a demanding European night.

Kounde stays in Barcelona with El Clasico on the horizon

The French international did not make the trip to Paris, but the club's intention is to have him available for the upcoming league meeting with Real Madrid. The proximity of El Clasico influences every medical call: nobody wants to risk a setback in the European tie if it jeopardizes the defender's involvement in the battle for the LaLiga lead.

What is at stake for Barcelona in the quarter-final first leg

The match at the Parc des Princes opens a knockout tie that will shape the decisive stretch of Barcelona's season. A strong result in Paris would give Flick's side the chance to seal a place in the semi-finals in front of their own fans at Montjuic. On top of that, the physical demands of the coming days, with Real Madrid up next, make the management of defensive pieces and workloads a critical factor.