The international break hasn’t been kind to Paris Saint-Germain to say the least.
Kevin Trapp and David Luiz both suffered injuries ahead of a particularly crucial time of the season with a double header against Real Madrid in the Champions League coming up over the next three weeks. With youngster Presnel Kimpembe also out injured (although not exactly injured during the international break), PSG suddenly find themselves with only two natural center-backs available for the next month or so. Marco Verratti is also a doubt for the Madrid game after picking up a calf injury and he has since been dropped from the squad for Saturday’s match against SC Bastia.
PSG officially announce Marco Verratti, David Luiz, Kevin Trapp & Presnel Kimpembe will all miss Bastia clash on Saturday through injury.
— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) October 15, 2015
There is some glimmer of hope though, Luiz and Trapp may be back sooner than we expect. However, it’s unfortunate to be without Trapp especially because most PSG fans, including myself, have just began to warm up to the German keeper after a wonderful game against rivals Olympique de Marseille. Trapp’s absence will mean a start for Salvatore Sirigu against Real Madrid and the former first choice keeper who seems to be a forgotten man at the Parc, will no doubt be looking to prove himself. Also, for all the criticism about Luiz’s defending, it should be pointed out that PSG have only conceded once in the games he’s started since the beginning of the season. Verratti, who is such an integral part of that midfield trio, will no doubt be the biggest loss of the three in the event that he doesn’t make it back in time for the Champions League.
On the bright side, Luiz’s injury gives Laurent Blanc the chance to give Marquinhos a brief run in the team even if only for a few weeks to keep the youngster happy without causing an imbalance in the team. It also means that Serge Aurier, who’s started the season brilliantly, is assured of a starting role in the Madrid game as Blanc might have been tempted to start Marquinhos at right back instead. This will be Blanc’s chance to test Aurier against some of the best wingers in the world and the young Ivorian looks to be up for the occasion.
Real Madrid won’t be heading into the big Champions League match without issues of their own. Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez, Dani Carvajal, and Luka Modric are all likely to miss out on the club’s trip to Paris. These are all key players and their absence will no doubt weaken the team. In my opinion, PSG head into the first leg as favorites to win the tie—I just hope the little Italian Maestro is able to make it in time.
