PSG to rest Neymar before Man Utd showdown?

10:51am on Friday 27th November 2020
By Robin Bairner

Paris Saint-Germain may play Bordeaux on Saturday, but their thoughts are trained towards their midweek Champions League match against Manchester United.

While a defeat on Saturday at Parc des Princes would be a blow that would make their position atop Ligue 1 increasingly fragile, a slip against the Red Devils could see them heading for an early European exit.

With that in mind, Thomas Tuchel’s side for the weekend match will be picked with the midweek game firmly in their minds.

Before the 1-0 win over RB Leipzig on Tuesday, the German coach had effectively admitted he was in desperation mode when he deployed Neymar. The Brazilian responded with the winning goal from the penalty spot, but it was clear he was not at his full capacity.

That could be said of much of the PSG team, who looked lacklustre in comparison to their German rivals. As such, it may well be that Tuchel employs extensive rotation in his side for this encounter.

Again, his side will be riddled with injuries, making it complicated with regards who features.

Definitely ruled out are defensive duo Juan Bernat and Thilo Kehrer. Bernat is not expected back before February, while Kehrer is suffering from a groin issue.

Marquinhos is expected to be rested in the defence, despite Abdou Diallo being banned, but Presnel Kimpembe can return after a Champions League ban. Danilo may slot into the rearguard alongside him.

In midfield, Julian Draxler is not ready to return and Idrissa Gueye is an injury doubt. Marco Verratti should get some more minutes as PSG try to get him up to speed, but the chances of him playing 90 are minimal.

Meanwhile, the forward line could be boosted by the return of Mauro Icardi, but if fit, he will probably be on the bench, with Moise Kean having played only a brief cameo against Leipzig.

This is Tuchel’s most challenging period since taking charge of PSG and his squad selection for the next few fixtures promises to be a particularly delicate challenge.