Luis Enrique says Paris St Germain are in good shape to cement their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
PSG lie third in the standings and a win at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night should guarantee a top-eight place for the holders.
It will be their fifth match in 17 days but boss Luis Enrique believes they are ready for the challenge.
The squad for the trip to Lisbon! 📑#UCL pic.twitter.com/OI6yIeAXVd
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 19, 2026
“We’re in the crucial part of the season,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“We’re getting injured players back. It’s the best time of the season, we need to prepare well and be focused.
“It’s an important moment in the Champions League. Tuesday’s match is in an exceptional stadium against a tough team like Sporting. They’re a team with quality players who like to have the ball.”
Nevertheless, the visitors will still be without injured Joao Neves and Quentin Ndjantou while Lucas Hernandez serves a suspension.
Defender Nuno Mendes will be returning to the club where he began his career.
He said: “It’s a source of pride to be back home. It’s a special match for me, we’ll try to do our best.
“There’s a bit of pressure because it’s the Champions League. We’ll try to be at our best to try and win.
“I hope it will be a great day. I would be happy if I am applauded, but I will be wearing the Paris St Germain jersey.
“Sporting will always be in my heart, I respect this club. I hope they go through and I would love to play the final against them. It would be difficult to play the final against them – but I hope they have a good run.”
Sporting, unbeaten in 14 domestic league games, are 14th in the Champions League table and are likely to need a minimum of four points from their last two games – PSG plus a trip to Athletic Bilbao – to make the top eight.
Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme is set to make his European debut for the Portuguese side.
The teenager completed a £15million switch from West Ham last week and made his first appearance for his new side in Friday’s 3-0 win over Casa Pia.
“He had a good, competent game, and he will improve with time,” said head coach Rui Borges.
“He’s a young man, he’s 19 years old, he’s very intelligent, he likes to learn and understands quickly, and in the future he will be very important.”
