TEMPO.CO, Paris - Paris St Germain are counting on a solid defence as the best means of attack in their Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday, even though they are doing battle on their own turf, said coach Laurent Blanc.

"The paradox for tomorrow is we're going to have to defend well even if we're playing at home," Blanc told a news conference on the eve of the first leg of the quarter-final.

PSG, who are without suspended Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, will have to be defensively solid and rely on quick fire counter-attacks, the former World Cup winner said.

PSG's Brazilian defender Maxwell, flanking Blanc at the news conference, told reporters: "They've such good attackers, they need just a single chance and they score a goal".

In a more sober mood than after the away goals victory over Chelsea in the last 16, Blanc acknowledged that PSG also have to make do without several key players.

They will definitely be without injured midfielder Thiago Motta, who picked up a thigh injury in their recent Ligue 1 encounter with Olympique de Marseille.

However, PSG's Brazil centre back David Luiz could return to action after being named in the squad having recovered from a hamstring problem.

(Reporting by Brian Love; Editing by Toby Davis)

REUTERS