Paris Saint-Germain are entering an especially demanding period. After a historic season and a World Cup that involved a large part of the squad, the French champions must now prepare for two friendly matches, two finals and the start of the Ligue 1 campaign within just a few weeks. The official return to training took place at the PSG Campus on July 27, with Luis Enrique initially working with a reduced group because many internationals were still on holiday.
Safonov, Lucas Chevalier, Longoni, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Dro Fernández, Senny Mayulu, Ibrahim Mbaye and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were among the first senior players to return. Several academy prospects were also brought into the squad. Willian Pacho was expected to join them shortly afterwards, while Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves and Vitinha were due back during the week beginning August 3.
A Gradual Return Before Manchester United
For the first friendly against RCD Mallorca on August 5, PSG are expected to rely mainly on the players who resumed training on July 27. Pacho could also be available, while Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves and Vitinha may travel but are unlikely to play significant minutes. Luis Enrique should use several academy players to complete the squad and carefully manage the workload of those who have only just returned.
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The match against Manchester United in Gothenburg on August 8 should feature a stronger and more complete PSG team. Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha and Pacho could make their first appearances of pre-season after several additional training sessions. Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Lucas Digne, however, are only expected back between August 8 and 10, making their participation highly uncertain.
PSG will then face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12, before playing Lens in the Trophée des Champions four days later. Their Ligue 1 campaign begins against Rennes on August 22, followed by a trip to Lille on August 29. With two friendlies, two finals and two league games scheduled in less than a month, Luis Enrique’s main challenge will be to rebuild fitness gradually while avoiding injuries after an exceptionally long international season.
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