PSG return to the Parc des Princes on Saturday with a real obligation to react. After a frustrating draw in Lorient and the long-term injury to Désiré Doué, Paris approach a crucial week under pressure, with the Champions League returning. For this Matchday 11 in Ligue 1, the squad should be close to full strength, while Nice arrive weakened but in good form.
PSG: an almost complete squad despite the Doué blow. The major absence for Paris remains Désiré Doué. Sidelined with a thigh injury, the young midfielder will be out for around six weeks and is set to miss about ten games. He has only just begun rehabilitation.
Aside from that, the updates are positive:
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Achraf Hakimi, rested last weekend, returned to training on Thursday and will be ready.
Kang-In Lee has recovered from his viral illness and is back with the group.
Fabian Ruiz should also be called up after completing a full week of training.
Luis Enrique still needs to manage fatigue. Warren Zaïre-Emery, who has been playing nonstop for weeks, could be rested before Bayern. Several key players may also be rotated: Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, and Dembélé (still feeling pain after Lorient).
The Spanish coach remains confident. In his press conference, he defended his defense despite recent criticism about the goals conceded: “We conceded more than we deserved. I’m happier with our defense this year than at the same time last season.” Regarding injuries, he remained realistic: “Injuries are part of a player’s life. If you think about not getting injured, you can’t be a professional player.” On giving rest to some players, Hakimi included, he said: “If a player needs a bit of rest, it’s not a problem. I want players smiling in training.”
Even with the Bayern Munich clash looming on Tuesday, Luis Enrique refuses any relaxation: “Nice are a team used to winning at the Parc. It’s rare and it should motivate us.” He knows Franck Haise’s teams are hard to break down: “It’s difficult to play against him. We need to be ready.”
Probable PSG lineup:
Chevalier – Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, L. Hernández – Lee, Vitinha, Mayulu – Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé (or Ramos), Barcola
If PSG occasionally complain about absentees, Nice have it far worse:
Ndayishimiye, Bombito, Abdelmonem: three central defenders out long-term
Dante: very uncertain
Moffi: still dealing with a calf issue
Mohamed Ali Cho: absent for two games, unclear situation
Jonathan Clauss: between a knee issue and contract tensions, but seen training on Thursday
Despite these problems, Nice arrive in form: five games unbeaten, three straight wins, and Sofiane Diop performing at a high level. Franck Haise is clearly aiming to grab points at the Parc and climb onto the podium.
Probable Nice lineup:
Diouf – Mendy, Peprah, Bard – Louchet, Vanhoutte, Boudaoui, Abdi – Boga, Kevin Carlos, Sofiane Diop
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