Paris Saint-Germain are considering how best to contain Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal ahead of their Champions League meeting, with the absence of left-back Nuno Mendes creating uncertainty over their defensive plans.
The European champions are due to host Barcelona at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, 20 October, in a third-round league-phase fixture in the 2026-27 Champions League.
According to French media reports, Mendes’ absence has raised concerns within the PSG dressing room about who should be tasked with limiting Yamal’s influence.
The 18-year-old Barcelona forward is regarded as one of the Catalan side’s most dangerous attacking players because of his dribbling ability, quick movement and effectiveness in one-on-one situations.
PSG must now find a way to restrict his space and prevent him from creating opportunities, with several players reportedly being considered for different defensive roles.
Zaire-Emery considered for defensive assignment
Warren Zaire-Emery has emerged as one of the options being discussed as PSG prepare for the threat posed by Yamal.
The French midfielder could be asked to take on an unfamiliar defensive responsibility in an attempt to limit the Barcelona winger’s impact during the match.
Reports suggest his physical strength, work rate and ability to maintain his intensity throughout a game could make him suitable for the assignment.
Zaire-Emery’s capacity to track opponents and contribute defensively is viewed as a potential advantage against Yamal, whose acceleration and close control can make him difficult to contain when given room to attack.
However, stopping the Barcelona forward is unlikely to depend on one player alone. PSG will need to provide support around the defender responsible for marking him, particularly when Yamal attempts to isolate his opponent and create space in the attacking third.
The French side will therefore have to balance individual marking with coordinated defensive movement if they are to reduce the winger’s influence.
PSG consider double-marking approach
Another option under consideration is to prevent Yamal from repeatedly finding himself in one-on-one situations by using two players to restrict his movement.
The proposed approach would involve closer coordination between PSG’s midfielders and players operating on the left side, allowing the team to provide additional cover whenever the Barcelona winger receives the ball.
Portugal international Joao Neves is among the players who could feature on the left side of midfield, while Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could be asked to contribute defensively from the left flank.
Kvaratskhelia’s ability to cover ground and maintain a high level of physical effort could prove useful in helping PSG contain Barcelona’s attacking threat.
The plan would require the players to work together to close down passing options, limit the space available to Yamal and prevent him from advancing freely towards the penalty area.
Such an approach could also help PSG avoid leaving a defender isolated against the young winger, whose individual skill makes him particularly dangerous when he has time and space to attack.
Luis Enrique faces selection decision
Despite the discussion surrounding Zaire-Emery, the final decision will rest with PSG head coach Luis Enrique.
The Spanish manager is reportedly considering other alternatives, including French defenders Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Digne, as he looks for the most effective way to deal with Barcelona’s threat.
Mendes’ absence has complicated those preparations, forcing the coaching staff to consider how best to reorganise the defence without weakening the team’s ability to build attacks.
The choice of player to deal with Yamal could be particularly important given Barcelona’s ability to exploit gaps when opponents commit too many players to defending one area of the pitch.
PSG must therefore find a balance between providing sufficient protection against the winger and maintaining their own attacking threat.
With the match approaching, Luis Enrique faces a significant tactical decision over how to organise his side against one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players.
Whether PSG opt for Zaire-Emery in a defensive role, choose another option or rely on a collective marking system, their approach will be aimed at restricting Yamal’s opportunities to influence the contest at the Parc des Princes.
