On the eve of the 16th final of the Coupe de France against Espaly (N3), this Wednesday in Clermont (9 p.m.), Luis Enrique gave encouraging news from Presnel Kimpembe. The PSG coach ensures that the central defender of the Blues, absent since February 2023, is now fit to return to competition. On the other hand, Marquinhos is out due to an adductor injury.
The end of a long desert crossing? Almost two years after his last match, Presnel Kimpembe finally seems on the verge of returning to competition with PSG. On the eve of the 16th final of the Coupe de France against Espaly (N3), this Wednesday in Clermont (9 p.m.), Luis Enrique gave encouraging news from the 29-year-old central defender. Asked about the possibility of seeing the French international (28 caps) make his comeback this week, the Parisian coach did not close the door.
“It's an ideal match to see certain players, yes. And after speaking with Presnel to see if he feels ready to play, he feels much better,” replied Luis Enrique at a press conference. “Over the past month, he has been able to train with the team. It is important to talk with the player himself to know what his real state is, but yes, I see in training that “He's ready to help the team.”
“My return is coming soon,” warned Kimpembe
Victim of a serious injury to the Achilles tendon on February 26, 2023 during a trip to Marseille, Presnel Kimpembe spent many months in the infirmary, between care, rest and rehabilitation. His convalescence was particularly difficult and his return to business was repeatedly postponed. His situation did not prevent him from signing in December 2023 a contract extension with his trainer until 2026. After resuming the collective sessions last October, Luis Enrique summoned him to travel to the den of the Bayern Munich on November 26 in the Champions League (1-0), but “Presko” did not come into play.
Not selected to face Saint-Étienne this Sunday in Ligue 1 (2-1), the native of Val-d'Oise gave an interview to RTL during the weekend. Explaining that he feels able to return to the field: “I feel very, very good at the moment, otherwise no one would have heard me. My return is coming soon. It's not to reassure the supporters, it's simply the truth, otherwise I wouldn't have responded like that, I'm the soldier I am, I'll be back when the time is right.
Luis Enrique 'not worried at all' about Marquinhos
Already absent against Saint-Étienne, Marquinhos will be out again midweek against Espaly, which could pave the way for playing time for Kimpembe. Luis Enrique did not call his captain, injured in the adductor. But he gave reassuring news from the Brazilian defender, whose state of health does not seem to cause any fear among the Parisian staff.
“I’m not worried at all,” explained the Spanish technician.
“His injury is very slight but we don't want to put him at risk. He won't be here tomorrow (Wednesday), but that's not worrying. He could play but it doesn't make sense to take any risks”. After its round of 16 in the Coupe de France, PSG will travel to Lens on Saturday in Ligue 1 (5 p.m.), before hosting Manchester City on January 22 in a decisive Champions League clash.
