Paris Saint-Germain take on Angers at Parc des Princes on Friday seeking to get back to winning ways in Ligue 1 after the international break.
Although Mauricio Pochettino’s side impressed in defeating Manchester City 2-0 at home in the Champions League, they were unable to replicate that level of display in their final league match before the pause and lost by the same scoreline in Rennes.
They command a healthy advantage in Ligue 1 but any slip is treated with scrutiny and Pochettino and his side will be expected to respond immediately.
Coming off of the international break, though, is riddled with problems for PSG. They will be without their South American stars. Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes and Angel Di Maria are all absent after Argentina duty, while Neymar and Marquinhos do not even play with Brazil until the early hours of Friday morning French time.
On the plus side, most of their injury problems have cleared, with Julian Draxler and Layvin Kurzawa both back after illness.
Sergio Ramos continues to miss out due to his ongoing calf issues, which is a growing concern for fans given that he was expected to be available for this encounter.
Keylor Navas is out after sustaining an injury on international duty.
More positively, Juan Bernat has been training normally and is expected in the squad for the first time in more than a year. Abdou Diallo or Nuno Mendes will start at left-back, though.
Thilo Kehrer should fill the vacant slot at centre-back beside Presnel Kimpembe, while Achraf Hakimi will continue to star on the right.
Marco Verratti will be the keystone of the midfield, with Idrissa Gueye starting alongside him. Georginio Wijnaldum could also feature after admitting that he is not entirely happy due to his lack of playing time. Ander Herrera is another good option, though.
In attack, Kylian Mbappe will play, potentially shifted to a wider area, where he starred for France. Mauro Icardi would, therefore, play at centre forward. Rafinha or Draxler will fill the other spot.
Angers, meanwhile, will have all of their first-choice players available.
Probable PSG starting XI v Angers
