Paris SG superstar striker Neymar has withdrawn from the Ligue 1 match against Rennes on Friday, four days before the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday, his coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed on Thursday.
“His development is very good. He will not be able to be in the group for Rennes. We will see for Madrid,” said the technician about the Brazilian, in the recovery phase after his sprained left ankle suffered at the end of November. “All the great players want to play the big games. He has the experience and the maturity to manage himself, and channel his energy, to arrive in the best conditions when he can play, ”continued the Argentinian.
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Five missed rounds out of eight in the round of 16 of C1
The player “continues his progress and his recovery work in part with the group and suitable athletic supplements”, said PSG in its medical press release. For the first time in more than two months, “Ney” took part, on Friday morning, in the 15 minutes of collective training before the match open to the press. His presence confirmed his progress since he resumed racing on January 26.
But the shock against Real seems to come a little too early for the N.10 who was injured in Saint-Etienne on November 28. The superstar’s possible package brings back bad memories for PSG, which has often been deprived of the most expensive player in history (EUR 222 million in transfer compensation) for the 8th round of C1. Since his arrival in 2017, Neymar has missed five of his team’s eight C1 knockout stages, due to various injuries, including the double confrontation against FC Barcelona last season.
Sergio Ramos to a package
For Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, the chances of seeing him play against his former club are dwindling. He “resumed the race today [vendredi] and the rest of its program will be specified within 48 hours, ”said the club. On the return side, Dutchman Georginio Wijnaldum is applying for a place in the group against Rennes.
Victim of a sprained left ankle, he has not played since January 15. Angel Di Maria, injured in a calf Sunday in Lille (5-1), and Leandro Paredes, who experienced adductor pain during the week according to several media, are also available.