Edinson Cavani ‘will train with the team this week’ ahead of PSG’s Champions League showdown with Manchester United… but Neymar is still too far away from a return
- Edinson Cavani will be returning to PSG training this week according to his boss
- PSG host Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League tie
- Thomas Tuchel confirmed the news, but also said Neymar won’t be fit in time
Edinson Cavani will return to PSG training this week, just in time for the crucial Champions League round of 16 second leg against Manchester United.
The two teams play on March 6, when United will be trying to overcome a 2-0 deficit from the game at Old Trafford.
PSG manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that PSG’s record goalscorer is coming back to full fitness, and may feature in their Ligue 1 match this weekend.
Edinson Cavani picked up an injury in a Ligue 1 game against Bordeaux earlier in February
However he will be returning to training this week, in time to play Man United next week
‘Edi will train with the team this week,’ said Tuchel, according to Goal. ‘He’s talking to the medical staff.
‘He has worked very hard in a very professional way. I hope he can play on Saturday against Caen.’
Cavani picked up a muscle injury after scoring a penalty in PSG’s 1-0 win over Bordeaux in early February and missed the first leg.
The Uruguayan has scored 192 goals for the club. This season he’s scored 17 goals in 16 matches in Ligue 1, and has scored twice in the Champions League.
His return will be a big worry for Manchester United, who conceded two goals in the first leg against a PSG team depleted by injury.
PSG’s star man Neymar is also out of action with a metatarsal injury, and won’t be back in time to face United.
Neymar is still recovering from a foot injury and won’t be available to play in the big match
However, he will likely be at the game, with Tuchel saying he hopes he will be there to show his support. The Brazilian is currently in his home country while he recovers.
‘There is a lot of time difference, so it’s difficult, but we have been writing,’ said Tuchel. ‘He’s good when he’s in Brazil.’
Neymar’s return could be sooner rather than later though, and if PSG progress he will probably be available for their quarter-final match.
‘It’s important for us that he comes back before Manchester to support us. I hope that after Manchester United he can begin training again.’
Manchester United have injury problems of their own, and Paul Pogba is suspended for the tie
United are also in the middle of an injury crisis. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced into making three first half substitutes against Liverpool in the league on Sunday.
Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard all left the pitch with injuries, and Marcus Rashford also played on through a knock. Nemanja Matic also missed the game against Liverpool.
They will also be without Paul Pogba, who has seen a huge resurgence in form under the new manager. He picked up a red card in the first leg and will miss the match through suspension.
