Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
Chelsea’s Champions League campaign is all but over after they were beaten 5-2 in the last-16 first-leg by Paris Saint-Germain thanks to a dazzling substitute performance from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Twice the Blues came from behind to equalise at the Parc des Princes after Bradley Barcola and Ousamne Dembele found the back of the net early on, but a late collapse left them with a mountain to climb in next week’s second-leg.
Filip Jorgensen was handed a rare chance to impress in this match after seeming to unseat Robert Sanchez as Liam Rosenior’s No1, and he produced a generally impressive performance. He was at fault for neither of PSG’s first two goals, and he was confident, bordering on cocky, with the ball at his feet. But his misplaced pass in the 74th minute found the feet of Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, who squared for Vitinha to lob the helpless Dane and put PSG in front for the third time on the night.
That lead would be extended, as Kvaratskhelia turned from provider to scorer, lashing a merciless thunderbolt beyond Jorgensen and bundling a fifth home deep in injury time. Catch up with the action as it happened below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea latest news
- GOAL! Kvaratskhelia screamer puts result beyond doubt
- GOAL! Vitinha lobs Jorgensen after howler
- GOAL! Fernandez finishes Neto's cross
- GOAL! Dembele restores PSG lead
- GOAL! Gusto gets the equaliser
- GOAL! Barcola opens the scoring
Match report: PSG 5-2 Chelsea
22:20 , Arthur FerridgeFilip Jorgensen's costly error at the Parc des Princes was the pivotal moment as Chelsea suffered a late collapse to lose 5-2 to Paris St Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The visitors had twice recovered from a goal down and looked like surviving an intriguing match with a draw when, in the 74th minute, Jorgensen's pass was cut out easily by Bradley Barcola, substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia squared it and Vitinha chipped the stranded goalkeeper.
Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez had earlier scored equalisers in answer to goals by Barcola and Ousmane Dembele.
Then came Jorgensen's awful misjudgement, a blow Chelsea clearly struggled psychologically to recover from. Kvaratskhelia curled in a brilliant fourth soon after then tapped in a fifth in stoppage time as the holders twisted the knife.
Catch up with the action from the Parc des Princes
Chelsea player ratings vs PSG
22:14 , Arthur FerridgeIt was a fairly positive night for Chelsea - or so you might think if you turned your TV off at the hour mark.
So, if you missed that last 30 minutes and fancy catching up on exactly how that capitulation came to pass, see below a link to Dom Smith’s player ratings from the Parc des Princes.
Filip Jorgensen fell to pieces in the dying moments as PSG found three late strikes, while Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah also come in for criticism.
FULL TIME: Paris Saint-Germain 5-2 Chelsea
21:55 , Arthur FerridgeThat does it for the first-leg. Lots of work for Chelsea to do at Stamford Bridge next week...
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 5-2 Chelsea | Kvaratskhelia '90+4mins
21:54 , Arthur FerridgeKvaratskhelia bags another! The Georgian has taken this game by the scruff of the neck and all but eliminated Chelsea!
Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 Chelsea
21:53 , Arthur Ferridge90+3mins: Pedro Neto has apologised to the ball-boy, and we play on. He is not booked.
Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 Chelsea
21:52 , Arthur FerridgeVAR is checking for a red card. Replay shows Pedro Neto pushing the ball-boy over as he seemed unwilling to hand over the ball.
Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 Chelsea
21:51 , Arthur Ferridge90+1mins: Uh-oh, it is all kicking off here! Pedro Neto seems to have had a coming together with a ballboy, and the benches have cleared.
Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 Chelsea
21:50 , Arthur FerridgeThere will be three added minutes.
Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 Chelsea
21:50 , Arthur Ferridge90mins: Seems as though it is bad to worse for Chelsea as Caicedo has his pocket picked and Lee Kang-in scores to make it 5-1, but, blessedly, the offside flag is up.
Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 Chelsea
21:47 , Arthur Ferridge88mins: More great work from Kvaratskhelia who battles down the left flank and squares to Mayulu, who cannot finish the chance.
Garnacho replaces Gusto.
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 Chelsea | Kvaratskhelia '86
21:45 , Arthur FerridgeThe result is beyond doubt. Kvaratskhelia smashes an absolute piledriver beyond Jorgensen. Superb strike.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 Chelsea
21:44 , Arthur Ferridge84mins: Delap is in the area as he gets his first touch of the ball, but his shot from a questionable angle is wayward at best.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 Chelsea
21:42 , Arthur Ferridge83mins: Two Chelsea changes. Palmer and Joao Pedro are replaced by Delap and Lavia.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 Chelsea
21:39 , Arthur Ferridge80mins: No goal. On we go.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 Chelsea
21:39 , Arthur Ferridge79mins: Joao Pedro gets on the end of Pedro Neto’s cross to score Chelsea’s third equaliser of the evening, but the offside flag is up.
VAR is checking...
Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 Chelsea
21:37 , Arthur Ferridge77mins: Barcola and Zaire-Emery are replaced by Mayulu and Hernandez.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
21:36 , Arthur FerridgeIt's a killer for Jorgensen, who was having a good evening up until that huge error.
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 Chelsea | Vitinha '74
21:34 , Arthur FerridgeJorgensen blows it! He misplaces a pass out from the back and it falls straight to Kvaratskhelia, who squares to Vitinha and he lobs the Dane to restore the hosts’ lead.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Chelsea
21:33 , Arthur Ferridge73mins: Joao Pedro’s pressure forces Marquinhos into an error in the corner - Chelsea take a throw from the corner flag. Neto gets on the ball and spins into the area before crossing to Pedro, who can’t quite connect.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
21:32 , Arthur FerridgeA few more stoppages creeping into a tight and finely poised match, now, in the final 19 minutes. Joao Pedro is working desperately hard to hold the ball up but isn't having much luck on that front at present.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Chelsea
21:31 , Arthur Ferridge71mins: Less than 20 minutes to go now and you still get the distinct feeling this could go either way.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Chelsea
21:28 , Arthur Ferridge69mins: Dembele is replaced by Kang-in Lee.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Chelsea
21:27 , Arthur Ferridge67mins: Chelsea make a fresh drive forward in the hopes of taking the lead for the first time in this match, but PSG have breathed some fresh life into their press and quickly force them back to the halfway line.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
21:22 , Arthur FerridgeA man for big occasions for Chelsea these days, is Enzo Fernandez, and he has levelled up a magnificent match.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Chelsea
21:22 , Arthur Ferridge62mins: Chelsea are looking really lively now - PSG have faded fast.
They need substitutes, and here they come. Doue is replaced by Kvaratskhelia.
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Chelsea | Fernandez '57
21:17 , Arthur FerridgeAnd Chelsea equalise again! Great football from Chelsea - Neto nicks the ball, breaks into the box and squares to Fernandez who fires home from close range.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea
21:16 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: Hakimi gets the better of Chalobah and breaks into the Chelsea box, but Caicedo drops back to sweep up the mess.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea
21:14 , Arthur Ferridge54mins: Chelsea just can’t get near the ball at the moment. They’re fast losing their grip on this first-leg.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea
21:09 , Arthur Ferridge49mins: Palmer dances into the box and looks to cross Neves slides in to deny him. Chelsea take the corner short, but it comes to nothing.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea
21:06 , Arthur Ferridge47mins: All PSG thus far. Fernandez cuts out a pass and looks to loft a ball up to Palmer, but puts it straight into touch.
2ND HALF: Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea
21:04 , Arthur FerridgeBack underway! Can Chelsea turn this around?
Fan reaction: 'So impressive'
20:51 , Arthur FerridgeGreat game so far #PSGCHE. 2 teams ready to take risks. The great PSG press has been intermittent but effective when deployed, whilst Chelsea have successfully exploited the wings. There is an inherent quality to PSG when they’re on top of their game that’s just so impressive.
— Le Classique (@LeClassiquePod) March 11, 2026
Fan reaction: Work to do for PSG
20:50 , Arthur FerridgeA decent first half. Good to be ahead at halftime but we definitely need to tighten up in our defense in the second half and push for the insurance goal. Keep pushing guys.
— ICI CESTTT PARISSSS ❤️💙 (@GoldenKing10x) March 11, 2026
ALLEZZZZ PARISSSSSS!!!#PSG #PSGCHE #UCL https://t.co/eS0jTt1ElI
HALF TIME: Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea
20:48 , Arthur FerridgeThe half-time whistle goes. Chelsea head back into the changing rooms trailing.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
20:47 , Arthur FerridgePSG smell blood now, I think. They're pressing so high.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea
20:46 , Arthur Ferridge43mins: Chelsea really seem to have let that goal get to them. They’re under the cosh and starting to make mistakes. They need to get to half-time so Rosenior can dish out some wisdom and settle his side ahead of a big second half.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
20:44 , Arthur FerridgeThat is just a stunning goal on every level, born of Chelsea losing the ball with too many players committed forward. Dembele has space to run into and time to cut in, then chop back, and send Fofana onto the floor and PSG back into the lead. This is some game.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea
20:43 , Arthur FerridgeGutting one for Chelsea. Just as Palmer thought he had put the Blues ahead, he was denied by Safonov and a mere 14 seconds later they find themselves trailing.
That’s the game. Now they must respond.
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Chelsea | Dembele '40
20:42 , Arthur FerridgePalmer draws a great save from Safonov and PSG counter. Dembele finds himself in space, runs into the box, beats Fofana a bit too easily and fires low beyond Jorgensen.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Chelsea
20:39 , Arthur Ferridge37mins: Safonov comes out into no man’s land to beat Neto to a ball over the top. Chelsea win the ball back promptly, but nobody is quite brave enough to chance the lob.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
20:37 , Arthur FerridgeDoue is seeing a lot of the ball out on this right-hand side, but Cucurella so far is doing a decent job of limiting his threat. PSG just starting to exert a little more control though.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Chelsea
20:37 , Arthur Ferridge35mins: Possession-wise, it has been all PSG since the leveller. They haven’t created too much threat, though.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Chelsea
20:34 , Arthur Ferridge33mins: A bit of the sting has come out of this game since Gusto’s equaliser. PSG are holding onto the ball and looking to settle things down here.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
20:31 , Arthur FerridgeMalo Gusto with a confident finish, but it's a goalkeeping error really. Chelsea won't care, they're deservedly level here.
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Chelsea | Gusto '28
20:29 , Arthur FerridgeChelsea are back level and it is the Frenchman Malo Gusto! He is in acres of space as he collects a smart cross-field ball and powers it beyond a stumbling Safonov.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:27 , Arthur Ferridge25mins: Barcola looks to bend one into the bottom corner from the edge of the box and he has Jorgensen worried. The Dane gets a fingertip to the shot, diverting it around the post.
Begs the question: would Sanchez have saved that?
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:26 , Arthur Ferridge25mins: Doue jinks into the Chelsea box but can’t quite get a shot off.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:25 , Arthur Ferridge24mins: The latest Chelsea attack ends as Joao Pedro tamely heads Cucurella’s cross into the patiently waiting hands of Safonov.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
20:24 , Arthur FerridgeChelsea are playing good football, and are trying to be brave in possession and knit snappy, forward passes together. They don't deserve to be behind, but then I suppose that's not how these things work.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:22 , Arthur Ferridge20mins: Joao Pedro dances into the box but sees his shot blocked. Really good spell from Chelsea, this, they just need to capitalise on one of these chances...
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:21 , Arthur Ferridge20mins: Dembele sticks one on Palmer then kicks the ball away, but gets off scot-free.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:20 , Arthur Ferridge18mins: How has that stayed out?! Neto streaks down the left side and looks to square it for Palmer. His pass is deflected goalwards but PSG get a lucky let-off as Safonov somehow comes up with the ball in hand.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
20:17 , Arthur FerridgeA huge save from Jorgensen, whose confidence will grow after that. Had very little time but pushed it against the post well.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:17 , Arthur Ferridge15mins: Dembele shoots from a tight angle and Jorgensen does very, very well to tip it onto the post.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:16 , Arthur Ferridge14mins: Palmer, who has started well, twists and turns and sets Gusto free down the right flank. He in turn does well to find Fernandez, whose errant shot lands somewhere behind the goal rather than inside it. Safonov unconcerned.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
20:13 , Arthur FerridgeA phenomenal goal from PSG, who took less than ten minutes to find the lead. The finish from Barcola is unerring, though I think helped by a slight nick off Reece James to take it even closer to - and ultimately crashing in via - the crossbar.
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea
20:13 , Arthur Ferridge11mins: We are back underway and PSG are probing for a second.
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Chelsea | Barcola '10
20:11 , Arthur FerridgeBarcola opens the scoring! He smashes a finish into the roof of the net from close range. Nothing Jorgensen could have done about that.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Chelsea
20:11 , Arthur Ferridge9mins: Hakimi plays Doue into the right channel and he plays a good cross in, but Chelsea clear. PSG come again.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Chelsea
20:08 , Arthur Ferridge6mins: Pacho nods the corner behind and Chelsea take another, which Safonov punches clear. Interesting to see him get the nod ahead of Chevalier, whose arrival in the summer forved Gianluigi Donnarumma out of the club.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Chelsea
20:07 , Arthur Ferridge6mins: PSG have a chance to attack after Jorgensen’s misplaced pass but their offensive ends with an unthreatening long-range effort from fit-again Neves. Chelsea hare back down the other end and win a corner through Palmer.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Chelsea
20:06 , Arthur Ferridge5mins: What a chance to open the scoring! Reece James puts a great cross into the six-yard box but neither Joao Pedro nor Neto can get a touch on it.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Chelsea
20:05 , Arthur Ferridge4mins: PSG pressing very high from the off. They’ve caught Chelsea out already and are attacking on the front foot.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Chelsea
20:05 , Arthur Ferridge3mins: Doue catches Caicedo late and the latter goes down with a yelp. He is awarded the foul.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
20:03 , Arthur FerridgeSuch a football-in-2026 start to a blockbuster Champions League knockout tie. Vitinha, one of the world's most gifted technicians, thwacks the ball straight into touch from kick-off. Did it box Chelsea in? No. It didn't.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Chelsea
20:03 , Arthur Ferridge1mins: A very rugby opening as PSG punt the ball into touch in Chelsea’s left defensive corner from kick-off. Cucurella takes the throw and the Blues play out..
KICK-OFF! Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Chelsea
20:01 , Arthur FerridgeWe are UNDERWAY at the Parc des Princes!
PSG, meanwhile, are in a one-off black-and-gold kit.
The superstitious in the crowd may wonder whether the home team not wearing their home kit may come back to bite them...
Chelsea are in their white away strip this evening, by the way.
Here we go...
19:57 , Arthur FerridgeThe players take to the pitch as that gorgeous, iconic anthem blares.
Kick-off is imminent.
Team news reminder
19:50 , Arthur FerridgeTen minutes to go until kick-off - here’s a reminder of tonight’s team news.
PSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, Neves, Vitinha, Barcola, Zaire-Emery, Doue, Dembele
Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
19:48 , Arthur FerridgeThe Parc des Princes has filled up fast here, and it won't be long now before both sets of players finish their warm-ups and head back inside to the dressing rooms. Can Chelsea summon their clinical form from the Club World Cup final last summer? It's sure to be an added challenge having PSG's ultras to deal with tonight.
Rosenior previews the tie
19:46 , Arthur Ferridge“I think it’s going to be a really good game and a big challenge for us tactically, but one I’m really confident that we can overcome.
“We are going to have to match them up at times and get bodies into midfield and block off the middle of the pitch because we know that’s where their creative players want to feed the weapons they have in attack.
We have to stop the flow into them, so Reece (James), Enzo (Fernandez) and [Moises Caicedo] all need to be really good in midfield but at the same time, they’ve got to do the same to us.
“We’re excited for the game, I think it’s going to be an entertaining game and when we are in our rhythm and play to our strengths, we know we are a problem for any team.”
Enrique: PSG are favourites to win the Champions League
19:42 , Arthur FerridgeLuis Enrique is adamant that Paris Saint-Germain are bigger favourites than Arsenal to win the Champions League this season.
Speaking after drawing with Newcastle during the league phase, the PSG boss said: “I have nothing to reproach my players for, even if some didn’t perform at their usual level. I don’t see anyone as a bigger favourite than us in the competition.”
Club World Cup rewind
19:35 , Arthur FerridgeChelsea are champions of the world, and they will wear a badge on their shirts that says so for the next four years.
A season that saw the Blues lose to Ipswich and Legia Warsaw, finish as the fourth-best team in England and play in the third tier of European football ends with them being crowned world champions — and if all of that makes very little sense to you, imagine how it feels to be a part of it.
Chelsea have signed two players and sold one during their month in the United States — they are not a club that stands still. And in this inaugural edition of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, they certainly didn’t stand still.
If, before the final, some might have raised a finger to eagerly point out that the draw had opened up for the Blues after other European heavyweights crashed out, they cannot do so now. Chelsea thrashed the all-conquering European champions Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium and were good value for their 3-0 win as they produced their finest performance of a 51-week, 65-game season that is now, finally, over.
Relive: Chelsea 3-0 Paris Saint-Germain
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
19:34 , Arthur FerridgeA hostile welcome for the Blues, as expected.
Jeers from the growing PSG crowd inside the Parc des Princes as Chelsea make their way out for their pre-match warm-up. Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez have just embraced. #CFC pic.twitter.com/1poqdDFcaL
— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) March 11, 2026
Big atmosphere at the Parc des Princes
19:32 , Arthur FerridgeShould be raucous inside the ground this evening...
Around the grounds
19:28 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal still trail Bayer Leverkusen with less than ten minutes left in the prescribed 90!
Can the Bundesliga side do here what so many other teams have failed to in recent months?
Follow Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal LIVE!
Everything you need to know about PSG vs Chelsea.
19:26 , Arthur FerridgeDom Smith is here in sound and colour to catch you up on all the storylines ahead of this match.
"A massive match in the context of Chelsea's season."
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 11, 2026
🗣️ @MrDomSmith joins us live from the Parc des Princes to tell you everything you need to know about tonight's tie.
LIVE: https://t.co/iMMHjH6MAf#PSGCHE pic.twitter.com/rmPwogjnCb
PSG team news
19:25 , Arthur FerridgeOn the PSG side of things, it is a surprise to see Kvicha Kvaratskhelia on the bench, though Malo Gusto will surely have breathed a sigh of relief at the news.
He will still have to contend with a front three of Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola, though. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.
There is some very impressive young talent on the bench, too, with the likes of AFCON champion Ibrahimi Mbaye, Senny Mayulu and Dro Fernandez all waiting in the wings.
Chelsea get a warm welcome
19:21 , Arthur FerridgeL'arrivée des joueurs du PSG au Parc des Princes 🔥
— Onze Mondial (@OnzeMondial) March 11, 2026
🎥 @PSG_inside #UCL #PSGCHE pic.twitter.com/CEfcthoWmj
Head to head: Liam Rosenior vs Luis Enrique
19:14 , Arthur FerridgeRosenior and Enrique will meet tonight for the fourth time in their managerial careers, but who has whose number?
Well, it is completely honours even!
Three matches have wrought one win for Rosenior, one for Enrique, and one draw.
In terms of goal record, Enrique has a narrow advantage, with eight goals scored to Rosenior’s seven.
Here are the results in full:
PSG 3-3 Strasbourg
Strasbourg 2-1 PSG
PSG 4-2 Strasbourg
Around the grounds
19:07 , Arthur FerridgeIt is Arsenal in the early kick-off tonight, and - we don’t get to say this often - they’re presently losing!
Just under half an hour is left to play in their Champions League last 16 first-leg against Bayer Leverkusen, who lead 1-0.
Dom Smith at the Parc des Princes
19:03 , Arthur FerridgeIn a week of big calls in goal - ahem, Antonin Kinsky - it's a massive decision by Rosenior to select Jorgensen in goal here ahead of Sanchez. Sanchez is vastly more experienced, and both have made errors leading to goals this season. But it's the Danish international who will be tasked with keeping Dembele, Doue and co quiet on a monumental night in the context of Chelsea's season.
A big call from Rosenior
18:54 , Arthur FerridgeFilip Jorgensen gets the nod over Robert Sanchez at the Parc des Princes!
That is a huge call from Rosenior, who has flip-flopped between his two goalkeepers for the past few weeks.
PSG CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS
18:48 , Arthur FerridgePSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, Neves, Vitinha, Barcola, Zaire-Emery, Doue, Dembele
Subs: Chevalier, Marin, Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Kvaratskhelia, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Dro Fernandez, Mbaye
CHELSEA CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS
18:46 , Arthur FerridgeChelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
Subs: Sanchez, Merrick, Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Hato, Santos, Lavia, Garnacho, Guiu, Delap
Predicted Chelsea XI
18:40 , Arthur FerridgeTeams will be announced soon, but how will Chelsea line up this evening?
Here’s Dom’s call...
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
A chance for Lavia?
18:35 , Arthur FerridgeRomeo Lavia has finally returned from his latest injury lay-off. Will he feature this evening?
Frankly, that is doubtful.
He started as Chelsea visited Wrexham in the FA Cup last weekend, but laboured as he struggled to keep up with the pace of play.
Dom Smith took a look at his form and the challenges he is facing.
READ: Romeo Lavia facing long road back to his best after injury return
Malo Gusto: I want to prove myself at the highest level
18:27 , Arthur FerridgeChelsea’s Malo Gusto was up for media duties ahead of this match. Here’s what he had to say...
“My objective is always the same: to show that I can play (at the very highest level) and that I have the qualities to do so. It will be a good test.”
Colwill back in training
18:18 , Arthur FerridgeLevi Colwill was back in first-team training for Chelsea this week.
The centre-back’s last competitive appearance for the Blues came in the Club World Cup final.
He then tore his ACL in training, shortly after returning to Cobham for pre-season.
It was assumed at the time that Colwill would miss the full season, but he seems to be recovering faster than anticipated.
While he still seems to be a little ways away from returning to the pitch, the fact that he is back in team training is hugely encouraging.
The stage is set
18:15 , Arthur FerridgeThe Parc Des Princes is looking resplendent in the Paris sunset.
Rosenior: No clues as to who starts in goal
18:10 , Arthur FerridgeLiam Rosenior was not prepared to give any early indications as to who will start in goal for Chelsea against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
He said: “With this squad, every position is a difficult decision. That's how it has to be for us to be successful. We have a fantastic squad full of top players.
“Not even just the starting XI. Making a decision who's on the bench is difficult. That's the job I'm here to do. We'll make that decision in terms of the goalkeeping position, in terms of the No9, No10 or No7 position.
“For me the goalkeeper position is no different to an outfield position. I will pick what I think is the right choice for each game.
“You'll see what decision I make tomorrow when the team sheet comes up.”
Match preview: Chelsea target statement win
18:02 , Arthur FerridgeChelsea and Paris Saint-Germain’s last dance came in the blazing heat of New Jersey at last summer’s Club World Cup final, where Luis Enrique struck Joao Pedro in the face in a red-misted mass brawl between the teams at full-time, the Blues 3-0 winners and crowned world champions, writes Standard Sport’s Dom Smith.
Reminded of this “needle” by a reporter on Tuesday evening, and the possibility of flared tempers renewing themselves, Liam Rosenior butted in and offered a correction. “Passion,” he insisted.
Whatever it was, and however much of whatever is was still lingers, Chelsea and PSG have history — and the rekindling of their rivalry at the Parc des Princes tonight in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie promises to be some spectacle.
Chelsea’s rout of the reigning European champions last summer means they have nothing to prove in the eyes of some, but not in the eyes of all. The inaugural edition of the expanded Club World Cup was a competition belittled by many, and a majority of the European giants involved did not produce their best football at a tournament which elongated an already draining season, when most players would otherwise have been on their holidays.
Read the full match preview here!
Standard Sport prediction
17:54 , Arthur FerridgeIf any one factor decides this match, it may be the relative freshness of either squad.
PSG have not played since March 6 - a five day layoff come matchday - and Luis Enrique managed to rest several of his star players in that defeat by Monaco.
Chelsea, meanwhile, played 120 minutes on Saturday night as they laboured to an FA Cup win over Wrexham.
Rosenior was forced to deploy some key players in that match as he looked to kill the game off, and the Blues now need to travel overseas for this match. They may well pay the price for their leginess in a match where they will need to be at their very best.
PSG to win, 2-1.
Chelsea early team news: Reece James returns
17:47 , Arthur FerridgeChelsea had Jamie Gittens and long-term absentee Levi Colwill back in training at Cobham on Tuesday, though Estevao remained absent.
Captain Reece James also took part in the open session after not being involved on Monday.
Paris Saint-Germain early team news: Joao Neves back in the fold
17:41 , Arthur FerridgeJoao Neves is ready to return from an ankle injury, but Fabian Ruiz is still sidelined with a knee problem. Youngster Quentin Ndjantou is also out.
Former Bournemouth man Ilya Zabarnyi will likely feature at the back for the Ligue 1 leaders, while Ousmane Dembele is expected to be restored to a starting role in attack after returning from another injury absence.
Latest match odds
17:39 , Arthur FerridgePSG to win: 10/11
Chelsea to win: 21/10
Draw: 11/5
Odds via BetFair (Subject to change)
How to watch Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
17:35 , Arthur FerridgeTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting from 7pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Alternatively, follow all the action right here with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog!
Good evening
17:20 , Arthur FerridgeHello, and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16!
A huge test for the Blues as they face the Ligue 1 leaders and reigning European champions. Can they repeat their Club World Cup heroics and stun the Parisians again?
Follow along to find out! We will get underway tonight at 8pm GMT, with team news expected at around 6.45pm.
Stick with us!
Click here to read the full blog on The The Standard's website
