The Ligue 1 giants are hoping their star forward can recover from a right calf injury
Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic Kylian Mbappe will be fit enough to face Manchester City in a massive Champions League clash on Tuesday.
Mbappe missed out on Saturday with a right calf injury as PSG defeated Lens 2-1 to keep pace in the Ligue 1 title race.
PSG are looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit on Tuesday in Manchester after losing the semi-final first leg on home soil in midweek.
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What was said?
Speaking to Canal+ after the game on Saturday, Pochettino said: “Will Mbappe be there? I’m optimistic. We think he will be there. We will see how it evolves tomorrow. We will decide before the match.”
Regarding his team’s task on Tuesday, Pochettino added: “We had to win today, and Tuesday [we have to] score two goals and not concede.
“The most important thing will be to win, more than playing good football. We’re going to give it a try and we’re focused on this City game and the tactics we should put in place.”
How did Mbappe get injured?
Pochettino said the forward suffered from “discomfort in his right calf” after the first leg against Man City, though he was unclear exactly when the injury had occurred.
“He received a blow that could have happened at any time during the match [against Man City],” Pochettino said at his Friday press conference.
“It can happen. It’s not a serious problem but it created a muscle imbalance in the calf.”
How is Mbappe faring this season?
The France international is in the midst of another fantastic campaign as he continues to establish himself as one of the world’s best forwards.
Mbappe has scored 37 goals in 43 matches this season, including eight in 10 in the Champions League and 25 in 29 in Ligue 1.
Needing at least two goals on Tuesday, PSG will be desperately hoping for Mbappe to be fit to face the Premier League leaders.
Further reading
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Mbappe doubtful for Champions League semi-final second leg
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Aguero ‘ready’ to face PSG after injury struggles
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Pochettino unsure if Mbappe will stay at PSG
