Messi, Neymar fit to face Brugge in Champions League: Pochettino

The duo was not involved in PSG's 4-0 crushing of Clermont at home after returning late from World Cup qualifiers


REUTERS September 12, 2021

PARIS:

Lionel Messi and Neymar will be in Paris St Germain's squad for their Champions League opening game against Club Brugge on Wednesday after missing this weekend's Ligue 1 action, coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Saturday.

The duo was not involved in Saturday's 4-0 crushing of promoted Clermont at home after returning late from World Cup qualifiers with Argentina and Brazil but both will be fit for action in Belgium for the Group A game.

"They came back to Paris on Friday night and trained today. I'm happy because even if they're tired, they don't have any physical problem," Pochettino told a news conference after PSG's fifth win in as many matches in Ligue 1.

"They will be here for Wednesday's game." Neymar started his season against Stade de Reims on Aug. 29, the day Messi made his debut for the Parisian club as he came on as a second-half substitute.

Both, however, played full World Cup qualifying games with their respective national teams since then.

In their absence, fellow striker Kylian Mbappe shone on Saturday, scoring his team's third and proving a constant threat throughout.

The France striker, who has just recovered from a calf injury, was a constant threat as he added to Ander Herrera’s first half brace with Idrissa Gueye rounding it off after the hour.

PSG, who travel to Club Brugge for their Champions League Group A opener on Wednesday, lead the standings on 15 points with Clermont still third on eight points after their first defeat in their first season in the elite.

 

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ