Kylian Mbappe has been included in Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League second leg semifinal against Manchester City.
Mbappe watched from the stands as PSG defeated Lens 2-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday with head coach, Mauricio Pochettino blaming his absence on a “discomfort in his right calf” after the first leg against Man City in Paris last week.
Pochettino also added that he was not sure exactly when the injury had occurred.
“He received a blow that could have happened at any time during the match [against Man City],” Pochettino said at his Friday press conference. “It can happen. It’s not a serious problem but it created a muscle imbalance in the calf.”
“I’m optimistic for Kylian. We assess him day by day. I think he’ll be able to play.”
Pochettino’s statements on Saturday appear not to be mind games as he has now been included in the squad travelling to Manchester. While it still remains to be seen if Mbappe will start Tuesday’s game, PSG fans may feel reassured by the fact he was named as part of the travelling contingent.
Only Erling Haaland (10) has more goals than Mbappe’s eight in this season’s Champions League (slightly above an expected goals average of 7.31), while only four players have registered more than his three assists.
Mbappe ranks fourth for shots on target (15), second for ‘big’ chances scored (seven), fifth for chances created (20) and first for ‘big’ chances created (eight). PSG also confirmed Idrissa Gueye would make the trip despite being suspended after being sent off in the first leg.
Story by Sammy Wejinya
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