PSG’s Goalkeeper Dilemma: Safonov or Tenas vs. Girona?

On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign as they host Girona, the surprising third-place finishers in La Liga last season. However, PSG faces a challenge right from the start as one of their key players, Gianluigi Donnarumma, will be sidelined due to injury. Coach Luis Enrique has yet to decide who will take the Italian goalkeeper’s place, with Matvey Safonov and Arnau Tenas both vying for the position.

Donnarumma’s Absence

During the recent victory over Brest (3-1) on Saturday night, Gianluigi Donnarumma suffered a thigh injury towards the end of the match. On Sunday, PSG announced that the goalkeeper would be unavailable for the week due to what they described as a “muscle strain.” As a result, Donnarumma will miss the crucial opening match of the Champions League against Girona.

Who Will Start: Safonov or Tenas?

The pressing question now is whether Matvey Safonov or Arnau Tenas will take the starting role against Girona on Wednesday. Safonov, who joined PSG from Krasnodar for €20 million, is seen as a potential backup to Donnarumma. However, according to L’Equipe, Luis Enrique has not yet established a clear hierarchy between the two goalkeepers. Safonov, who arrived with the aim of challenging Donnarumma, may have the upper hand, but Enrique could also lean towards Tenas for his superior ball-playing skills. With uncertainties still lingering, the PSG coach will need to make a swift decision ahead of the match.