The dynamic PSG duo has been asked to join international duty despite injury issues. Here’s what Thomas Tuchel has to say.
The international break is right around the corner and clubs will be more concerned during the national representation. This is because a lot of players suffer from injuries in this period. And Paris Saint-Germain icons Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe are invited to join for their respective countries Brazil and France. However, PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is worried about the status of his important attackers.
In spite of injury woes running in the air currently, Tite and Didier Deschamps, both called-up Neymar and Mbappe for international duty. The PSG stars evidently skipped midweek’s Champions League loss to RB Leipzig. Moreover, it is possible that they will not be included in the weekend’s Ligue 1 clash against Rennes. Tuchel, although, expressed his frustration saying that PSG will not be able to interfere with the national authorities.
“It’s the right of the national team to call up players. We cannot do anything,” he lamented to the press.
“If the boys are injured and can’t play, I always prefer that they don’t play.
“It’s a super important phase, a good time to recover for players, but we have confidence that they will be treated well, that they have good care and good preparation. It’s the truth. We have confidence in these people who are responsible for the national teams.
“If the players are called up, there’s nothing we can do.”
In addition to Neymar and Mbappe’s fitness problems, PSG has lost a number of key players this season due to injuries. This list includes Marco Verratti, Juan Bernat, Presnel Kimpembe, and Keylor Navas.
“Presnel Kimpembe took a serious blow to the fifth metatarsal,” Tuchel confirmed. “Keylor Navas has minor muscle problems and will be out. This is also likely for Pablo Sarabia, who also has muscle pain.”
With this in mind, we will see how Tuchel manages to rotate his squad in the absence of major PSG players.