With more than 6,500 confirmed cases as of March 17, France has been one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe during the coronavirus pandemic. The outbreak has forced two of Paris Saint-Germain’s star players, Neymar Jr. and Thiago Silva, to flee the country and return home to Brazil as reported by ESPN.
Compared to France, Brazil has been much less affected by the coronavirus (234 confirmed cases as of March 17). Journalists Jonathan Johnson and Julien Laurens confirmed in the ESPN article that PSG did give permission for the players to leave the country if they felt they needed to or stay in their home in Paris where there is a strict lockdown to avoid the spread of the virus.
PSG's Neymar & Thiago Silva return to Brazil due to coronavirus pandemic — Sources – https://t.co/YMoe0wrD8h – For @ESPNFC with @LaurensJulien.
— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) March 18, 2020
Neymar and Silva were both in Paris earlier this week where they posted videos on social media showing them working out and playing with their kids, however, the severity of the situation ultimately led to them packing their bags for a warmer climate.
The ESPN report also revealed that several members of PSG’s coaching and playing staff have also left the country while Marquinhos chose to stay in Paris instead of traveling to Brazil.
Whether the players are back in their home country or sheltering in place in the French capital, Paris Saint-Germain expects them to be working out. Sources told ESPN that the players should be warming up for eight minutes before lifting weights (at least their own weight or more), 40 minutes of running on the treadmill with a change of pace, and a five-minute cool-down period.
This regimen is vital for the players as there’s no date set for a return to the training facilities. All of French football is currently suspended as is the UEFA Champions League due to the coronavirus but assuming both will be completed at some point in the coming weeks, PSG will have an opportunity to win an unprecedented four trophies (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and Champions League).
The determining factor could come down to which team is the most in shape and didn’t let this mini-break affect their fitness.
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