PSG confirm Messi & Neymar's status for Ligue 1 match

Ahead of a Ligue 1 trip to Brest on Friday night, PSG have confirmed that two of the biggest names in their squad will be absent.

Lionel Messi, Neymar and Leonardo Paredes are out for Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Friday’s visit to Brest in Ligue 1.

Mauricio Pochettino has elected to leave the trio out of his 23-man squad. The PSG boss has included fellow summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma for the first time as well as the Real Madrid-linked Kylian Mbappe.

Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti and Marquinhos have also returned to the fold in what will be their first appearances of the new season after returning from their summer holidays.

The full squad for #SB29PSG! 📋🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/UULSO1rIzB

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 20, 2021

When could Messi make his debut?

Despite a positive full week of training, Messi is still getting back to full fitness after his summer holidays. The 34-year-old is settling in well and is already making a positive impact.

“We all know his qualities. He brings very positive energy,” Pochettino told reporters about Messi on Thursday in a press conference. “The connection was made quickly. You can tell there’s a good feeling, and not only in the dressing room but also on the pitch.”

Now Messi will continue to work on getting back up to speed in time to make his PSG debut for next Sunday’s trip to Reims. He will then probably report to Argentina for the first international break of the season.