Tuchel ready to risk Neymar against Leipzig despite lack of match fitness

The PSG boss intends to take a calculated risk by starting his star player in the upcoming crunch Champions League clash.

Paris Saint-Germain have enjoyed a bright start to their domestic season but the same cannot be said about their European campaign.

The French outfit back-to-back 2-1 defeat against Manchester United and RB Leipzig in their opening two Champions League group stage games.

As things stand, they risk failing to qualify for the knockout round as they sit third in Group H with only one win so far.

PSG resume their European journey on Tuesday night as they prepare for the reverse fixture against Leipzig.

A positive result is a must if the last season’s beaten finalists aim to keep their hopes alive for a first Champions League crown in 2020/21.

With a high-stakes scenario awaiting at Parc des Princes against the German opposition, Thomas Tuchel has decided to include Neymar in his starting XI despite that player being well short of match fitness.

“We need him to play, it is necessary that he be on the field. He has the quality and experience. He’s a key player for us,” Tuchel told reporters ahead in Monday’s pre-match press conference.

“He is not in the best physical condition, but he will start tomorrow. He can handle this kind of game physically and mentally.

“I hope we won’t be too focused on him though. I hope that we can help him and that he will not be alone.”