Will Messi and Mbappe feature in Champions League clash against Bayern Munich?

(Courtesy : PSG)
Both the stars were major doubts heading into the clash
The Champions League is finally back. One of the biggest clash of the Round of 16 of the Champions League 2022-23 is PSG vs Bayern Munich. PSG head into the clash in an awful form on the back of back-to-back defeats, one in the French cup against Marseille and one in the league against AS Monaco.
While Bayern Munich were not in the greatest form after the return from the World Cup break. But the Bundesliga defending champions are currently on a three-match winning streak.
To make matters worst for the Ligue 1 giants, French star Kylian Mbappe picked up an injury against Montpellier on February 1. PSG manager defined Mbappe’s hamstring issue as a “sprinter’s injury” after the weekend defeat to Monaco.
On top of that FIFA World Cup 2022 winner Lionel Messi suffered a muscle injury in last week’s defeat to Marseille. Both the stars were set to miss the clash against Bayern Munich.
But both the FIFA World Cup 2022 finalists were spotted back in full training alongside the PSG squad yesterday and have been named in the squad to face the German giants.
PSG Squad:
2. Achraf Hakimi3. Presnel Kimpembe4. Sergio Ramos5. Marquinhos6. Marco Verratti7. Kylian Mbappé8. Fabian Ruiz10. Neymar Jr14. Juan Bernat15. Danilo Pereira16. Sergio Rico17. Vitinha25. Nuno Mendes28. Carlos Soler29. Timothée Pembélé30. Lionel Messi31. El Chadaille Bitshiabu33. Warren Zaïre-Emery35. Ismaël Gharbi44. Hugo Ekitike90. Alexandre Letellier99. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Galtier's update on Kylian Mbappe's injury
“Kylian trained with the squad today and completed the whole session. I didn’t think he would be ready," Galtier said at Monday's news conference. “We took the decision to let him take part if he felt ready. We’re not quite sure if he’ll be on the team sheet, we’ll see tomorrow morning.”“We’ll ask Kylian if he feels ready, Kylian’s made a huge effort,” Galtier said. “If he’s on the team sheet it means he’s ready.”
Neymar on Mbappe's return
“Kylian is an extremely important player for us, he’s a star," Neymar said through a translator. “Obviously we feel stronger when all three of us are playing.”
“I hope Kylian can play for a few minutes. He told me he’s feeling well, so that’s a good sign," Neymar said. “Our biggest objective is (winning) the Champions League. It’s like the World Cup, if you make the slightest mistake you go out.”
Will Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe start against Bayern Munich?
Neymar Jr. started up top alongside youngster Hugo Ekitike in the 3-1 defeat in Ligue 1 against AS Monaco. Lionel Messi could return to the starting lineup to partner Neymar in a front two. But French star Kylian Mbappe looks set to be named on the bench for the tie. The return of both Messi and Mbappe sets up an excellent tie between two giants of their own respective leagues.
- ISL 2024-25: Updated Points Table, most goals, and most assists after match 120, FC Goa vs Odisha FC
- Jamshedpur FC youngster Mohammed Sanan opens up on playing against top PL clubs and national team ambitions
- UEFA considering scrapping extra-time in Champions League knockout rounds: Report
- Top 5 teams with most playoff appearances in ISL
- Former Real Madrid captain Marcelo announce retirement from football
- Cristiano Ronaldo turns 40: Year-by-year stats of CR7
- Manchester City transfers: All ins & outs in January transfer window 2025
- Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about relationship with Leo Messi; comparisons with Pele, Maradona & more
- Indian Sports Calendar February 2025: ICC Champions Trophy, National Games, FIH Pro League and more events to watch
- Top 10 most expensive signings in Saudi Pro League history