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Pochettino offers an optimistic update on the PSG star’s injury

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Mauricio Pochettino is expecting his star PSG striker to make it to the squad for the big game on the European stage next week.

Mauricio Pochettino believes that Kylian Mbappe will be able to recover in time to take part in PSG’s clash against Manchester City next week.

The Frenchman could not feature in the club’s 2-1 victory against Lens on Saturday evening as they keep the title race alive.

However, PSG are anticipating to overturn a 2-1 defeat in the first leg of the semi-finals at Parc des Princes.

After Saturday’s win, Pochettino told Canal Plus: “Will Mbappe be there? I’m optimistic. We think he will be there. We will see how it evolves tomorrow. We will decide before the match.”

Speaking about the return leg, the Argentine said: “We had to win today, and Tuesday [we have to] score two goals and not concede.”

“The most important thing will be to win, more than playing good football. We’re going to give it a try. And we’re focused on this City game and the tactics we should put in place.”

Furthermore, Pochettino mentioned that Mbappe had slight discomfort in his right calf after the first leg against City. But it was unclear as to when exactly 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.”

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