He hasn't played a game since February 26, 2023. An eternity. But Presnel Kimpembe could see the end of the tunnel this Wednesday, in the Coupe de France against Espaly, a National 3 club. Finally, he could resume the course of his career and almost launch a second one as he has been so far away from the field. “DTomorrow is an ideal match to see some players. And Presnel feels much better. Over the past month, he has been able to train with the team. I see he is ready to help the team“, announced Luis Enrique on Tuesday at a press conference on the eve of this Coupe de France match. A liberating outing for the central defender. And almost saving. Because in recent weeks, a blur had set in.
Released after 16 minutes of play in February 2023 against Olympique de Marseille, Presnel Kimpembe surely did not think that his sideline would be this long. Certainly his Achilles tendon injury was serious. But it doesn't usually take two years to get back on track after such a hard blow. However, the PSG international defender was champing at the bit. Tirelessly, he who went through all the frustrating stages of returning from a serious injury. With relapses in particular.
Presnel Kimpembe in training with PSG.
Credit: Getty Images
A clearing before the shadow again
Last January, “Presko” notably had to undergo another operation on his Achilles tendon injury. And this summer, he contracted muscular discomfort in his left leg which again delayed his recovery. But in mid-October, he was able to resume collective training. Before once again experiencing the joy of rediscovering the pleasure of being called up for a match by being selected in the Parisian group to face Bayern Munich on November 25. But the joy was short-lived because he was then left aside again by Luis Enrique, who also had to manage the return to competition of Lucas Hernandez and does not lack solutions in this left central defender position.
And in the absence of a reserve team at PSG since the 2018-2019 season – which has not allowed it to return to the rhythm of the competition more quietly – the 2018 world champion has returned to the shadows . He no longer appeared in the PSG groups, which communicated little about his case. To the point that some spoke of his frustration. And we started to wonder what was going on with the “Parisian titi” who extended last year until June 2026 while he was injured.
-“He hasn't played continuously for two years, the Spaniard explained in mid-December. He had two relapses from two different injuries. It would be very risky to think about speeding up the process. It is the workload and its training which will indicate its evolution. But the last step seems about to be taken, during this Coupe de France match where PSG should largely rotate and knowing that Marquinhos is out (adductors).
I am patient and I wait for the right moment
Eager to become a full-time professional footballer again, Presnel Kimpembe is just waiting for that. He has once again spoken out in recent days to confirm his ramp-up. “I feel very, very good at the moment, otherwise no one would have heard me, he said again Sunday on RTL. My return is coming soon. This is not to reassure the supporters, it is simply the truth, otherwise I would not have responded like that. People know me and know that I am the soldier that I am. I'll be back when it's time. I am patient and I wait for the right moment”.
If Luis Enrique finally gives him his first minutes in two years, everyone will now scrutinize his every move. Just to try to get an idea of his chances of becoming a real option again for PSG. Because after such a long absence, a mystery hangs over his physical state but also his level of play. But if his body leaves him alone, he will in any case have a lot to do to regain his place in Paris.
Between William Pacho, Lucas Beraldo and also Lucas Hernandez, Luis Enrique is spoiled for choice to accompany Marquinhos and his left axis. And with the crucial deadlines coming up in the Champions League, the technician will not necessarily be keen to give playing time to a player who is still far from the high level. It's not his style. But Presnel Kimpembe is obviously well aware of this. In any case, he doesn't intend to settle for the minimum, as always. “The 2026 World Cup, I of course hope to be there, but you have to be realistic. I'm going to do the work with my club to be able to be there“, he already warned on Sunday. Enough to say that the start of his “second career” may begin this Wednesday.
