Paris Saint-Germain cruised to an easy 4-0 victory over Dijon FCO on Saturday at the Parc des Princes but they suffered one major loss. Angel Di Maria.
In the 17th minute, Di Maria walked off the pitch clutching his thigh in what appeared to be yet another muscle injury for a PSG player. The Argentina international was replaced by Julian Draxler who set up Kylian Mbappé’s first goal on the night.
After the match, manager Thomas Tuchel was asked about Di Maria’s injury and didn’t appear to be too concerned.
“I do not think Di Maria’s thigh injury is serious at all. He did not feel comfortable. We spoke and he told me it was not pain, rather discomfort. It was better to not take any risks. We will do tests tomorrow and then see for Wednesday [at Lyon in the Coupe de France semi-finals].”
This isn’t the first time Tuchel has downplayed an injury. Last weekend, Thiago Silva was also taken off in the 17th minute with a muscle injury and after the match, Tuchel said that is was “not too serious but enough to get out.” A few days later, it was revealed that Silva would miss three weeks.
I have absolutely zero faith in Paris Saint-Germain’s medical staff. There have been 19 thigh injuries this season and Di Maria could be number 20 once the tests are completed. That is atrocious and indicative of a bigger issue.
I hope Di Maria is available for the rematch against Borussia Dortmund on March 11. He’s arguably been PSG’s most consistent player this season. If not, Pablo Sarabia has been in great form and he is a more than suitable replacement for that crucial UEFA Champions League fixture.
PSG have two games remaining before they host Dortmund at the Parc des Princes. Hopefully, the Ligue 1 leaders can get through Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday and then RC Strasbourg next Saturday unscathed.
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