A reduced group in the Coupe de France

Tuesday 14th January 2025 01:23 PM

Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Tuesday January 14, 2025 at 6:45 p.m.

Paris Saint-Germain is preparing to face Espaly this Tuesday in the Coupe de France.

Between injuries, the necessary rotation and a particularly dense schedule, coach Luis Enrique must deal with a reduced group to ensure qualification while sparing his managers for crucial upcoming deadlines. Several key players will be missing. Ousmane Dembélé, victim of a viral syndrome, is missing this trip. For his part, Marquinhos, slightly hampered in his adductor muscles, will also stay in Paris. If his injury does not cause major concern, the staff prefers to play the card of caution. Ibrahim Mbaye, injured in the ankle, is added to the list of absentees, further complicating the choices for the Spanish technician.

Kimpembe moves closer to a comeback

These precautions are part of a long-term strategy, as PSG prepares to face Lens in Ligue 1 on Saturday, before an expected shock against Manchester City in the round of 16 of the Champions League on January 22. Despite these defections, positive news brightens the picture: Presnel Kimpembe could make his comeback. The French international, away from the field since his serious injury in February 2023, has returned to collective training and is now deemed fit by Luis Enrique. This meeting against Espaly could allow him to regain playing time, a crucial step in his quest to return to 100%.

The match against Espaly represents an ideal opportunity for Luis Enrique to rotate his squad. Some executives, such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi, could benefit from a well-deserved rest. This approach would allow young talents and players in the recovery phase, like Kimpembe, to shine while lightening the workload on the pillars of the team. This choice comes in a particularly demanding month of January for the capital club. After the Coupe de France, the Parisians will have a series of high-level matches, where a squad in full possession of its means will be essential to meet national and European challenges.