Mbappé’s absence may define PSG’s season ahead of Champions League clash with Bayern Munich

The draw for the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League is on St Patrick’s Day and you will need to consult your nearest shamrock to name with confidence the last eight clubs in Europe’s foremost competition. Rarely can so many distinguished presences have arrived in February in such flux.

The competition resumes on Tuesday with state-funded Paris Saint-Germain hosting those plucky Bavarian underdogs, Bayern Munich.

PSG, of course, are as rich as they wish to be. Qatar’s state club, based at the Parc des Princes, has a desire for success, prestige, profile and access – and not necessarily in that order. But winning a Champions League is certainly part of the plan.

Can PSG do that this season? Given they have Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar in attack, the answer should be positive. That’s one lucky shamrock of a forward line and they are third favourites to win the big trophy.