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Neymar injury update: PSG star's status for Champions League clash vs. Real Madrid still in question

Sun, Jan 30, 2022
Soccer News (AP)

Neymar injury update: PSG star's status for Champions League clash vs. Real Madrid still in question

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted Sunday that he does not know if Neymar and Sergio Ramos will be fit for a crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash with Real Madrid in February. Both players are fighting to get back on the field in the next fortnight ahead of the first leg against Los Blancos on Feb. 15.

Speaking ahead of Monday's Coupe de France round of 16 tie with OGC Nice at Parc des Princes, the Argentine was questioned on both of his Brazilian and Spanish stars, and he confessed that there is no way to declare both will be ready for Real Madrid at present.

"I do not know," Pochettino said. "Neymar has completed a running phase. There will be an evaluation and we should know more on Monday. You never know with an injury. We must see how Sergio's issue evolves each day. We do not know how long he will be unavailable."

Neymar's lengthy injury layoff and Ramos' perennial struggle for fitness since arriving in the French capital also mean that Pochettino faces a headache in registering his UCL squad if there are no departures before the January transfer window closes.

"There is a decision to be made," Pochettino said of the group which has since seen Juan Bernat return to fitness ahead of his likely return to registered status. "It is a numerical question. We have 18 players and there are 17 places."

For that to be cleared up, PSG would need to move on certain undesirable players who have so far shown little willingness to leave the club with Layvin Kurzawa, Julian Draxler and Mauro Icardi all available in the event of a serious offer arriving.

"Our position is clear," said Pochettino ahead of the final 24 hours of the January transfer window which are now unlikely to see Tanguy Ndombele joining from Tottenham Hotspur on loan with an Olympique Lyonnais return more probable. "The club made significant efforts last summer. I am very happy with my squad."

Pochettino is also running out of time to get star men Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi firing on all cylinders together as the French and Argentine superstars continue their slow process of striking up an understanding in attack.

"We are happy with how Leo has trained this week," the 49-year-old said. "What he has done has been good. He played 30 minutes last time. He is in good condition to start. With Kylian, it is a question of complicity. Their connection is starting to show -- they are both great players."

PSG face Lille OSC and Stade Rennais in their two Ligue 1 games leading up to the Real clash which is good preparation considering the pair's continental form but the questions over Neymar and Ramos will not be answered for at least another week.

Article Copyright © 2022 The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
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