AS Monaco FC are sweating over the fitness of three key players ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League knockout play-off first leg against holders Paris Saint-Germain.

The principality side will host the opening encounter before travelling to the French capital for next week’s decisive return, and head coach Sebastien Pocognoli confirmed late checks will determine his final selection.

French international Maghnes Akliouche and Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara are both set to undergo fitness tests later on Monday and again on the morning of the match. Meanwhile, Ansu Fati is also a doubt after suffering a knock to his quadriceps and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

“We have to believe, otherwise there’s no point in playing the match,” Pocognoli told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “I think the players are eager to put on a great performance tomorrow and give themselves a chance for the return leg.”

Monaco head into the tie buoyed by a 3-1 home victory over FC Nantes in Ligue 1 on Friday. PSG, by contrast, suffered a domestic setback with defeat away to Stade Rennais FC, though Monaco captain Denis Zakaria insisted recent results will have little bearing on the European showdown.

“They are a great opponent and it will be a difficult match,” Zakaria said. “If we’re not at 100% and we don’t play a perfect game, it will be difficult. We’ll have to give our best.”

With PSG defending their continental crown, Monaco know a strong first-leg display on home soil could prove decisive in keeping their Champions League ambitions alive.