Nuno Mendes
Ruled out for several weeks
Mendes (thigh) will be sidelined for the next several weeks after suffering a left thigh injury during Saturday's 3-1 victory over Strasbourg, according to the club.
Analysis: Mendes sustained the injury during Saturday's victory over Strasbourg, leaving the pitch in the 87th minute and forcing PSG to finish the match with 10 players after exhausting their substitutions. Although coach Luis Enrique initially downplayed the concern, subsequent medical examinations confirmed a left thigh injury that will keep the Portuguese defender sidelined for several weeks. He will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Barcelona, with Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Digne emerging as the primary candidates to replace him at left-back. Warren Zaire-Emery, who finished Saturday's match in that position, provides another alternative during Mendes' absence.
Expected to miss Barcelona clash
Mendes (thigh) is expected to miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Barcelona after medical examinations Sunday revealed a muscular injury, according to Le Parisien.
Analysis: Mendes suffered the injury during Saturday's 3-1 victory over Strasbourg, leaving the pitch in the 87th minute and forcing PSG to finish the match with 10 players after exhausting their substitutions. Although coach Luis Enrique initially downplayed the concern, Sunday's medical examinations revealed a more significant issue, making the Portuguese left-back unlikely to recover in time for Tuesday's encounter. His expected absence represents a significant setback for PSG, particularly with Lamine Yamal posing a threat down Barcelona's right flank. Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Digne are the most natural replacements at left-back, while Warren Zaire-Emery, who finished Saturday's match in that position, provides another alternative.
Injured late in win at Strasbourg
Mendes was withdrawn in the 87th minute of Saturday's 3-1 win at Strasbourg as a precaution and will be assessed Sunday, according to manager Luis Enrique, per Ilies Peeters. "I hope it's something small. Tomorrow will be the time to assess the situation. We didn't want to take any risks."
Analysis: Mendes left the pitch in the 87th minute after being hurt and went straight to the dressing room, with PSG finishing the match short-handed because they had no substitutions left. coach Luis Enrique described the withdrawal as precautionary and hopes the problem is minor, with Sunday's assessment set to decide whether the left-back is available for Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Barcelona at the Parc des Princes.
Expected back in starting XI
Mendes is set to start Wednesday's Champions League clash against Manchester City after returning to team training following a planned rest period, the club posted.
Analysis: Mendes was held out of Saturday's clash against Le Mans to manage his workload following the international break but has since resumed training without any reported issues. The Portuguese left-back is expected to reclaim his starting role Wednesday, providing PSG with an important presence on both sides of the ball. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive stability makes him a key part of the team's setup, particularly against an opponent of Manchester City's caliber. With his rest period complete, Mendes should be ready to handle his usual workload in the Champions League.
Rejoins training
Mendes (rest) was back in training ahead of Wednesday's match against Manchester City, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Mendes was back in training as anticipated Sunday, with the defender joining his teammates after being rested against Le Mans on Saturday. He will be a crucial piece for PSG as they face one of Europe's best clubs, a two-way full-back that will play a major role in the attack and defense. He will be expected to start when facing Manchester City, a highly anticipated contest coming Wednesday.
Rested ahead of Man City
Mendes will be rested for the Ligue 1 clash against Le Mans and is scheduled to resume training Sunday, Oct. 11, ahead of Wednesday's Champions League matchup against Manchester City, according to the club.
Analysis: Mendes will miss the clash against Le Mans after a heavy international workload with Portugal, having played 349 minutes across four starts during the break. The left-back has made just two Ligue 1 appearances this season, and the decision to give him additional recovery time appears aimed at ensuring he is ready for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Manchester City. Lucas Digne is expected to start at left-back against Le Mans, while Mendes should return to training Sunday as he prepares to reclaim his starting role in Europe.
Fit after fatigue scare
Mendes was withdrawn in the 79th minute against Wales on Thursday due to fatigue rather than injury, coach Jorge Jesus said, per Record. "Nuno isn't a big problem. He came off with fatigue, it wasn't an injury. If he gives me good feedback in recovery training today, I can put him in the match,".
Analysis: Mendes exited the Wales match with fatigue rather than an injury after asking coach Jorge Jesus to take him off, providing an early explanation for the concern surrounding his substitution. Jesus subsequently described the issue as minor and said a positive response in recovery training would allow him to use the PSG full-back against Norway. With no injury identified and no restriction reported beyond the recovery work, Mendes can be expected to push toward returning to the XI provided he shows the necessary physical response in training.
No longer banned
Mendes is available going forward, having served his three-game suspension in the initial stretch of the Ligue 1 season.
Analysis: Mendes missed the start of the 2026/27 campaign due to a red card he received in the Trophee des Champions match against Lens, and his team faced serious struggles over that period, conceding two goals in each of the first three matches. Given that Lucas Digne is not yet adapted to coach Luis Enrique's system, and the fact that neither Lucas Hernandez nor Warren Zaire-Emery fully convinced when deployed at left-back, the Portuguese star will likely see meaningful time on the pitch immediately in both UCL and league play, standing out as an all-around contributor and a dominant force in ground duels.
Suspended three matches
Mendes has been suspended for three matches by the LFP's disciplinary commission for an elbow thrown late in the Trophee des Champions defeat to Lens.
Analysis: Mendes will miss PSG's opening three Ligue 1 matches as a result, including Sunday's fixture against Rennes, which has been relocated to Brittany, the trip to Lille and the home match against Monaco. He is expected to return for PSG's Champions League opener on September 9 and for Ligue 1 duty against Brest on September 13. Lucas Digne likely to see increased playing time on the left side in his absence.
Sent off Sunday
Mendes was shown a red card in the 87th minute of Sunday's Super Cup final against Lens.
Analysis: Mendes will have to head into the 2026/27 campaign on the sidelines, with the defender given a red card in the Super Cup final after appearing from the bench. This is likely to shake up things for the season opener against Rennes on Aug. 23, as he is their expected starter. The good news is they did bring in Lucas Digne this offseason, a starter at Aston Villa the past few campaigns, a very respectable replacement at left-back moving forward.
Plays 75 minutes in Super Cup
Mendes played 75 minutes in Wednesday's Super Cup final 2-1 win over Aston Villa before being replaced due to cramps.
Analysis: Mendes finished last season with four goals and five assists across 20 Ligue 1 appearances, and closed out the World Cup with five starts for Portugal, contributing one goal, 11 chances created, 19 crosses and nine tackles. His return to full match action is an encouraging sign after a long tournament run, though he could see less time at left back heading into 2026/27 with Lucas Digne now in the mix for playing time at the position.
Comes off bench in practice match
Mendes (strain) completed his recovery and was involved in the final half hour of the weekend's game versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Mendes is one of the world's best full-backs, so his return could make a huge difference for a PSG side that was using youngster Axel Koukaba in that position during the last offseason contest. The Portuguese missed a great part of the pre-season friendlies following a long World Cup campaign where he made five starts, scoring one goal and adding 11 chances created, 19 crosses and nine tackles. In addition to his defensive duel-winning ability, corner and direct free kick duties should grant him regular fantasy value throughout the upcoming campaign.
Makes squad for friendly
Mendes (strain) is in PSG's squad for Saturday's friendly against Manchester United, according to the club.
Analysis: Mendes had returned to training earlier this week following the strain that forced him off during the World Cup, and his inclusion in the matchday squad now confirms his recovery is progressing well. He finished last season with four goals and five assists across 20 appearances and added an assist in five World Cup matches for Portugal, and his return positions him to continue building fitness as an undisputed starter on the left flank heading into the new 2026/27 Ligue 1 season.
Back in training with PSG
Mendes (strain) returned to training Monday at PSG's Campus, according to Paris Team.
Analysis: Mendes had been forced off during the World Cup and spent the offseason recovering before rejoining the squad for preseason. The left-back finished last season with four goals and five assists across 20 appearances while also recording one assist in five World Cup matches for Portugal. An undisputed starter on the left flank, Mendes offers elite attacking production from defense and is also capable of operating further forward when needed. He is expected to continue building up his fitness as the new season approaches.
Exits with injury
Mendes was forced off the field in the 56th minute of Monday's match against Spain due to an apparent muscle injury
Analysis: Mendes would go sliding into the box for a ball just after halftime in what looked to be normal action, but would stay on the ground and eventually leave the field, signaling he suffered a muscle injury. This is a major loss for the team, as if it were a muscle injury and anything more than a knock, his tournament could very well be over, that is, if Portugal advances. Nelson Semedo would come on in his place, and is a viable replacement moving forward, along with Diogo Dalot. However, nothing will be able to replace the speed and two-way play of Mendes, especially against the elusive Lamine Yamal.
Notches six crosses
Mendes had one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (four accurate) and four corners in Thursday's 2-1 victory against Croatia.
Analysis: Mendes was all over the field for Portugal as he held down the left flank. He would not only have a decent day in the defense with his two tackles and three clearances, but would excel in the attack with a shot, four chances created and six crosses. The full-back continues to be a catalyst of energy for the Portugal squad, although he remains with his one goal contribution in four appearances.
Delivers from left-back
Mendes generated one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Colombia.
Analysis: Mendes registered three chances created and one cross across his 89 minutes in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Colombia, consistently advancing from left-back to support Portugal's attacking transitions and delivering the most creative output of any Portuguese defender throughout the match. The PSG left-back combined his forward runs with the defensive discipline required to contain Colombia's right channel, and his three chances created were the most of any defender on the pitch from either side. His ability to arrive into dangerous areas from deep and deliver quality balls into the box make him one of the most important players in Portugal's system heading into the Croatia fixture.
Could be managed physically
Mendes could be managed physically and start on the bench for Tuesday's clash against Uzbekistan, according to SIC Noticias.
Analysis: Mendes struggled to find his usual rhythm in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against DR Congo, recording three crosses without success despite a few promising moments in the final third. Coach Roberto Martinez could opt to manage physically the PSG winger as part of a squad rotation, with Portugal managing his workload ahead of the rest of the tournament. If that is the case, Joao Cancelo could start on the left side of the back line and Diogo Dalot start on the right.
Difficult outing in draw
Mendes recorded three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus DR Congo.
Analysis: Mendes had a difficult outing in Wednesday's 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo, despite a few attacking situations, including a 17th minute run into the area that forced a close-range stop before Bruno Fernandes missed the rebound. He stayed involved in Portugal's left-sided attacks and sent a low cross into danger early in the second half, but the team struggled to turn possession into clear finishing chances. Mendes couldn't bring his usual quality shown with PSG and ended the game with three crosses (none accurate) and one tackle.
Planned sub after 30 minutes
Mendes was taken off after 30 minutes of play in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Nigeria in a friendly, according to manager Roberto Martinez, per AS Quinas. "Nuno? There's no injury. He was only planned to play 30 minutes."
Analysis: Mendes was taken off after only 30 minutes of play Wednesday after only entering as a substitute, raising some concerns about his health. However, after a post-match press conference, it has been deemed that this was a planned substitute, and he is fit, a major relief for Portuguese fans. This comes amid speculation that he will be an engine of the Portugal team from his left-back spot, so his absence would be a major loss. At this point, it appears he is still cleared to make the opener, facing DR Congo on June 17.
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