Paris Saint-Germain host Toulouse on Saturday needing to overcome a number of significant player absences.
Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty before being substituted in the 21st minute of the 3-1 win at Montpellier on Wednesday and is set for a spell on the sidelines, while there will be no space for fellow star forward Neymar due to a groin problem.
It comes at a bad time for PSG as they take on Toulouse, one of the form teams in Ligue 1 who have won four of their last won league games.
Here’s how PSG manager Christophe Galtier could set his side up at the weekend.
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma – Italy international Donnarumma’s spot in the PSG goal has been further cemented by the exit of Keylor Navas to Nottingham Forest.
RB: Achraf Hakimi – Has delivered some electric performances from right back this season, grabbing an assist in the 3-1 win over Montpellier on Wednesday.
CB: Marquinhos – Galtier’s options at centre back have been limited by injuries to squad members, but thankfully club captain Marquinhos is fit.
CB: Danilo Pereira – A defensive midfielder by trade but Sergio Ramos’ absence could see him slot in alongside Marquinhos. Presnel Kimpembe has just returned to training and could be thrown in if deemed ready.
LB: Juan Bernat – Nuno Mendes started at left back at Montpellier but could be rotated out in favour of Spanish veteran Bernat.
CM: Renato Sanches – Was just his second Ligue 1 start of the season at Montpellier. Lasted just under an hour but will hope for another opportunity here.
CM: Carlos Soler – Hasn’t delivered consistent performances since his summer switch. Will do very well to get anywhere near the 11 league strikes he managed for Valencia last season.
CM: Vitinha – A consistent feature in Galtier’s midfield and has more responsibility than usual with Marco Verratti currently suspended.
AM: Fabian Ruiz – Scored his first PSG goal at Montpellier and later picked out Messi with a sublime assist.
ST: Lionel Messi – The World Cup winner is without both Mbappe and Neymar and will likely have to guide some younger forward prospects through the game. Either that or he wins the match on his own with a few goals.
ST: Hugo Ekitike – Galtier could include more youngsters depending on formation but Ekitike may edge the second attacking spot alongside Messi ahead of Warren Zaïre-Emery, who netted PSG’s third against Montpellier in the 91st minute.
Credit: 90min.com
