13.02.2017 20:47 h

PSG lose skipper Silva for Barcelona clash

Paris Saint-Germain will be without injured captain Thiago Silva for Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg against Barcelona, the club revealed on Monday.

The Brazilian centre-back is suffering from "a persistent left calf problem", a club source said.

Earlier media reports said Silva had missed Monday's final training session ahead of the game at the Parc des Princes and would not make the 18-man squad named by coach Unai Emery.

Silva watched his teammates do their work while sat on an icebox.

The 32-year-old had already missed last Friday's 3-0 win at Bordeaux in Ligue 1 with a minor muscle problem but had been expected to be ready in time to face the Spanish giants.

PSG, who are looking to reach the quarter-finals for the fifth season in succession, are also without ex-Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta due to suspension. However, Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore could feature.

Silva's place in central defence may be filled by the young Presnel Kimpembe alongside Marquinhos with Blaise Matuidi set to inherit the captain's armband.