Paris Saint-Germain dealt blow with Kylian Mbappe ‘only fit enough to be on the bench’ for crunch Champions League semi-final showdown against Manchester City due to calf injury
- Kylian Mbappe looks set to be named on the bench against Manchester City
- PSG ace Mbappe has been struggling to recover in time from a calf problem
- Reports in France have claimed that Mbappe will miss out on a start tonight
Paris Saint-Germain have been dealt a blow with superstar Kylian Mbappe set to only be fit enough to start on the bench against Manchester City, reports say.
There were question marks over the availability of the 22-year-old due to a calf problem as PSG look to pull off a memorable Champions League comeback.
And now, as claimed by Telefoot in France, Mbappe will not be able to line up from the off in the crunch semi-final showdown at the Etihad tonight.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe will reportedly be on the bench against Manchester City
It was revealed on Monday that Mbappe travelled with his team-mates to Manchester despite Mauricio Pochettino indicating he was initially a doubt.
The mercurial ace was rested at the weekend for the 2-1 victory against Lens in Ligue 1 and the move looks to have partially paid off.
Mbappe returned to individual training on Monday night as he looks to build back towards being match ready – and also underwent some drills on the Etihad pitch.
Mbappe has been struggling with a calf problem but trained on the Etihad pitch on Monday
PSG also revealed that Mbappe jetted out to Manchester despite the doubts over his fitness
However, as a result of the uncertain nature of his issue, it was widely understood that the club would wait until this evening to decide on Mbappe’s role.
PSG looked to have taken the necessary precautions during their session at the venue for their date with destiny.
According to journalist Saber Desfarges, Mbappe was seen training ‘to one side’ as a result of him still feeling discomfort in his calf.
The same post went on to claim that fielding the talent may risk ruling him out ‘for the rest of the season’.
Mbappe not being fully fit will be a big blow to PSG’s hopes of a Champions League comeback
Despite the former Monaco man being named in the squad, it is a major setback for PSG that he is unable to start for the return leg of the final-four tie.
Mbappe has scored 37 goals this season, including eight in the Champions League, and will hope to play a part in PSG reaching the final for the second year running.
More to follow.