Advantage United?
Just in case you thought elite level footballers were playing too much football at the moment, there’s more! The Champions League kicks off next week, and Manchester United have a big test against PSG in their first group game of the 20/21 campaign.
It’s be hard for this game to come at a worse time for United, who have endured some horrendous form in the opening few games of the season, the low point coming in their 6-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur just before the international break. And just to add insult to injury, their captain Harry Maguire was sent off in the first half of England’s loss to Denmark and picked up a knock in the process. Although, that might not be the worst thing for them, or him, right now.
But despite United’s woeful start to the season, they have been handed a lifeline by PSG, who will be without several key players due to injury, coronavirus and travel-induced fatigue.
PSG boss Thomas Tuchel said: “We have to take responsibility for Neymar and Kylian, who played almost 90 minutes yesterday, and the South Americans who have travelled a lot.
“Maybe we will only have 11, 12 or 13 players available.
“We have a bit of bad luck. Draxler and Marquinhos are doubtful for Manchester too. Colin Dagba had a positive [coronavirus test] with the U21s. In the event of a negative test, he can return to the group.
“Kehrer is injured for a few weeks. Bernat and Icardi are injured, Icardi, a week ago. It’s the internal ligament in the knee, it’s not too serious but he will miss Nimes and Manchester.”
Sounds like PSG could really use Edinson Cavani right now, who has of course signed for Manchester United on a free transfer after being let go by PSG during the summer.
Cavani has been ruled out of United’s game at the weekend against Newcastle but will be available for selection for the PSG game on Tuesday, and the Uruguayan will be desperate to make the difference against his old club.
