Neymar, Paredes out for PSG’s clash with RB Leipzig as Pochettino’s selection woes continues

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino will be without Neymar and Leandro Paredes for his sides Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig on Tuesday night as his list of absent players continues to grow.

Brazil star Neymar returned from the international break with an adductor issue after impressing with a goal and two assists in a 4-1 win over Uruguay on Thursday night.

Paredes, meanwhile, was replaced in the second half of Argentina’s 1-0 victory against Peru, that same day due to a problem in his right quadriceps and will also be unavailable.

Argentina and PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes. The midfielder is out for PSG’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig.               | PHOTO: Courtesy |

The pair join Sergio Ramos, who is still yet to make his PSG debut – on the injury list, while Angel Di Maria is suspended and Mauro Icardi is a doubt after missing training due to what the club termed as personal issues.

“The priority is always the health of the players,” Pochettino said. “In this case, [Neymar’s injury] is a small problem but we hope it is a matter of a few days before finding it.”

PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe also spoke ahead of what is set to be his 14th appearance of the season against Leipzig, having played a team-high 1076 minutes across all competitions so far.

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino will have serious selection issues as he is missing several key players in his squad. | PHOTO: Courtesy |

“Obviously, there is fatigue like any player, the sequence of games is not easy, but I am at the team’s disposal,” Kimpembe said. “If I am on the pitch, it is because I have the capacity. The coaches know that I am a competitor, a soldier. If I am called upon, I will respond.

“We play a sport that we love. Some would like to be in my shoes, so if I’m not on the pitch, I’m not going to complain.”

The France international defender also made sure to highlight the qualities of his compatriot and former PSG academy graduate Christopher Nkunku, who will be lining up for the Bundesliga outfit in Paris.

The versatile 23-year-old is comfortably his side’s top scorer in all competitions with nine strikes in 2021-22 – six more than anyone else – and also has two assists in 931 minutes of football.

“[Nkunku] is tremendous,” Kimpembe continued. “We all know his qualities, especially me because we were trained together.

“He’s been able to show that he is one of the greats now. He’s showing it on the European stage.

“It’s going to be a great match. I can’t wait to be able to meet him again and I hope he will make his debut for France when the opportunity arises.”

PSG is in group A in the UEFA Champions League alongside RB Leipzig, Premier League champions Manchester City, and Belgium giants Club Brugge. The Parisians are currently sitting first at the log after drawing with Brugge in the opener and thumping Manchester City 2-0 at home before the just-concluded international break. The other group tie today will see third-placed Manchester City taking a trip to second-placed Club Brugge.