Agencies
Dreams of a maiden Champions League crown will be extinguished for one of Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City on Wednesday, as the two continental giants lock horns in the first leg of their semi-final at the Parc des Princes.
Before Wednesday’s match, KeylorNavas and Marco Verratti have made timely returns from injury and both should line up from the first whistle here, and there is also optimism that Marquinhos and Abdou Diallo could prove their fitness in time for the first leg.
Diallo could displace LayvinKurzawa at left-back if he is passed fit, and Rafinha could also recover from back pain to feature, but the Brazilian is not expected to push for a start over Verratti or his compatriot Neymar.Juan Bernat is the only long-term absentee that Pochettino must work around, but Icardi's confident penalty may not be enough to see him force his way into the first XI, especially if Mbappe is passed fit.
In contrast, their opponents Man City are fully-stocked for the biggest game of their season so far, and John Stones will return to the squad after serving the first of a three-game domestic suspension at the weekend.
Stones will immediately challenge Laporte for the chance to partner defensive stalwart Ruben Dias at the back, and the well-rested Englishman could be given the nod despite Laporte's cup-winning exploits at Wembley.
Zack Steffen lifted the EFL Cup after keeping a clean sheet against Spurs but will drop out for first-choice goalkeeper Ederson here, while Rodri should replace the veteran Fernandinho in midfield.
Raheem Sterling endured another frustrating afternoon in the capital and could make way for Bernardo Silva, who has started eight of City's 10 Champions League games so far, but Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden ought to keep their places.
Aguero is unlikely to be rushed back into action from the first whistle - especially seeing as he was an unused substitute at the weekend - while Jesus may also have to make do with a spot among the replacements if Guardiola elects to deploy a false-nine system.
