Le Classique implosion
PSG’s season has started in less than ideal fashion. Two defeats in their opening two matches have left the Paris-based club in disarray.
Adding insult to injury, the derby match against Marseille was marred by 5 sendings off. Neymar, Kurzawa and Paredes were all shown red cards to deal Thomas Tuchel further selection problems. After seeing his side ravaged by positive COVID-19 diagnoses, losing players to suspension is disastrous.
The incident has also led to accusations of racism by Neymar. The Brazilian levelled the allegations towards defender Alvaro Gonzalez. PSG have reiterated their support for Neymar. They “strongly support” the forward and will back their most-expensive signing with what will follow.
Marseille’s Spanish defender Alvaro Gonzalez (L) reacts with Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (R) during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Marseille (OM) at the Parc de Princes stadium in Paris on September 13, 2020. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Despite this, PSG will be without Neymar and his aforementioned colleagues as they face Metz in their third Ligue 1 fixture as they attempt to pick up their first points of the season.
Icardi & Marquinhos in contention
Thomas Tuchel confirmed in a press conference today that both Mauro Icardi and Marquinhos will return to full training after testing positive for COVID-19.
The returning Icardi allows Tuchel the luxury of being able to call upon a natural senior striker, something he was unable to do so over the weekend – which led to a front three of Sarabia, Angel di Maria and Neymar being deployed against Marseille.
A typically dominant PSG were limited to just 4 shots on target in Le Classique. They will hope the Argentinian forward can provide a much needed element of clinical focus.
Returning Brazilian defender turned midfielder Marquinhos will attempt to quell any threat from Ligue 1 minnow Metz. However, what would be considered a typically routine match for Les Parisiens now has greater focus. Metz are also without a win in their opening two fixtures but sit one place above the French champions.
#Tuchel: « retour de #Marquinhos à l’entraînement. Peut être qu’il jouera demain. Il poursuivra sa préparation sur le terrain. Icardi aussi a l’entraînement. Florenzi et Mbappé out. » #PSGOM @Europe1 #Europe1 pic.twitter.com/bEAuoLylSv
— Julien Froment (@JulienFroment) September 15, 2020
PSG remain without Kylian Mbappe due to a positive COVID-19 test. Alessandro Florenzi is ineligible due to him signing for the French outfit after the original date of the rearranged opening fixture.
See also: 5 reasons why Kylian Mbappe could join Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain FC vs FC Metz live streaming: Watch Ligue 1 online
