Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc confirmed on Monday that Lucas, Yohan Cabaye and Serge Aurier will all miss Tuesday's Champions League last 16, first leg against Chelsea at the Parc des Princes.
"It is official. It is impossible for them to be on the field," said Blanc of the trio, who all came off injured in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Caen in Ligue 1 which Paris finished with just nine men on the field.
However, Brazilian defender Marquinhos, who also came off in that game, was named in the squad along with fellow injury doubts Javier Pastore, Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Motta after coming through training on Monday afternoon.
"It is not the best preparation for such an important match," admitted Blanc ahead of the tie, which is a repeat of last season's quarter-final meeting of the sides.
On that occasion Chelsea won on away goals to progress to the last four despite losing 3-1 at the Parc des Princes in the first leg.
"The players who start, those who are on the bench, the staff, the fans, everyone will have to be very good to beat this excellent team," said Blanc, who insisted that criticism of him for the sudden spate of injuries was unfair.
"It is a catastrophic scenario but as soon as something happens I am made responsible," he said.
"I have big enough shoulders and I take the responsibility. If that allows the team to think about Chelsea and a bit less about the injuries, I am happy to take it."
Source: AFP