Predicted XI

Neymar injured - How PSG could line up against Nice

The Brazilian superstar is set to miss up to four weeks of action after injuring himself against Caen in the cup

 
10:45am on Friday 12th February 2021
By
Martin Macdonald

PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino has a number of injury concerns ahead of this weekend's Ligue 1 fixture against Nice.

The biggest news heading into the game is that talisman Neymar will miss a month of football after suffering an abductor injury following a clash with Caen's Steve Yago.

That fixture was a Coupe de France game against a Ligue 2 side, and the injury to the Brazilian now means that he'll miss first leg, and likely the second leg, of PSG's upcoming Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona, his former club.

Since the news of the injury broke, Pochettino has been criticised for playing Neymar against the minnows in the cup with such important games on the horizon.

With Angel Di Maria also currently missing with a thigh problem and looking not likely to play against Nice, PSG have suddenly found themselves light in the wide areas.

For the Nice game, Pablo Sarabia will likely retain his place from midweek, with Kylian Mbappe playing on the right of the front three.

Moise Kean scored the only goal of the game against Caen, but could lose his place in the starting XI to Mauro Icardi for league duties.

Keylor Navas has missed the last four games due to an abductor problem but has returned to full training this week. Still, he might not be risked ahead of the Barcelona game which means another start for Sergio Rico.

Marco Verratti, too, is back training after a hip injury suffered against Marseille last week, but, again, he might be kept fresh for the Champions League.

Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe should return at the heart of defence.

Julian Draxler started on the left of the attacking midfield three in the cup, but could be asked to play a more central role here.

PSG predicted XI against Nice

PSG - Football tactics and formations

Latest news

Serie A

Capello carries Juve back to the summit of Italian football - Serie A 2004-05

The Bianconeri would later be stripped of this Serie A title...

  • 10 hours
Ligue 1

Montpellier stun French football to claim maiden title - Ligue 1 in 2011/12

Olivier Giroud and co. put themselves on the map by winning the French top flight for the very first time

  • 11 hours
Bundesliga

When Magath guided Bayern to another Bundesliga crown - the Bundesliga in 2005/06

The Bavarian giants claimed the double in Germany, further solidifying their dominance under Felix Magath

  • 12 hours
La Liga

When Ronaldinho moved onto another level - La Liga in 2005/06

The Brazilian moved into the realm of greatness in a near-flawless season

  • 13 hours
Premier League

When Ronaldinho sent Barcelona on their journey to greatness - La Liga in 2004/05

The arrival of the Brazilian the previous year was the catalyst for a return to the top at Camp Nou

  • 14 hours
Premier League

When Man Utd blew Arsenal away to win three in a row - the Premier League in 2000/01

The Red Devils hammered their nearest rivals 6-1 during a season where everyone else trailed in their wake

  • 15 hours

Most read