Paris Saint-Germain`s campaign in the Club World Cup has encountered a significant hurdle. The club will be without two important defensive players, Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho, for the remainder of the tournament following disciplinary action by FIFA.
Both players received red cards during PSG`s recent quarter-final victory against Bayern Munich. Pacho, a 23-year-old center-back, was dismissed for a foul on Leon Goretzka. Shortly after, the 29-year-old left-back Hernandez, a former Bayern player himself, also saw red after an incident involving Raphael Guerreiro.
FIFA`s Disciplinary Committee has subsequently handed each player a two-game suspension. In a knockout tournament format like the Club World Cup, a two-game ban effectively rules a player out of the remaining matches, meaning both Hernandez and Pacho`s participation has come to an premature end.
This development presents a considerable challenge for PSG, particularly as they prepare to face Spanish giants Real Madrid in the second semi-final. Missing both a central defender and a left-back weakens the team`s options at the back against a formidable attacking opponent.
While the club reportedly has the option to appeal the decision, the tight schedule of the tournament makes it unlikely that any appeal process could be completed and a decision potentially overturned in time for the upcoming semi-final match.
PSG is scheduled to play Real Madrid this Wednesday. Should they overcome this challenge and advance, they would face the winner of the other semi-final between Chelsea and Fluminense in the final, a match they would also have to navigate without the suspended defenders.
