Luis Enrique has given an update on the injury situation at Paris Saint Germain ahead of their Champions League clash with Newcastle United.
Newcastle United will face Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, as Eddie Howe looks to secure a first win in the Champions League this season for his team.
The Magpies were able to pick up an important 0-0 draw against AC Milan at the San Siro Stadium back in September and now face another tough test, against superstar Kylian Mbappé and his PSG teammates.
It’s the first Champions League game for Newcastle in more than 20 years and the Magpies will be full of confidence heading to the game on the back of victories over Burnley and Sheffield United.
Fixtures are coming thick and fast for both teams and as a result, each side will be severely hindered in terms of injuries heading into this clash. Luis Enrique’s side could be without up to four key players on Tyneside, as we look into the latest team news for the French champions.
Nuno Mendes
The left-back is currently suffering from a hamstring injury that will sideline the player for several months, meaning he will miss both fixtures against Newcastle throughout the group stages.
The Portuguese international picked up the injury during pre-season and is yet to feature throughout the 2023/24 campaign, with surgery now scheduled to fix the issue.
Marco Asensio
The 27-year-old Spanish international picked up a foot injury while away with the national squad and is yet to make a return for his new team, after parting ways with Real Madrid in the summer. Asensio is now a doubt for Wednesday’s clash against Howe’s side.
Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike, who was previously linked with a move to St James’ Park prior to joining PSG, has fallen down the pecking order since his transfer from Stade Reims in 2022. The 21-year-old will not feature for his current club in the Champions League this season, after failing to be named in the 23-man squad prior to the beginning of the competition.
Kylian Mbappe
The French international had been listed as a doubt for this fixture after being forced off through injury during the 4-0 win against Marseille in September. However, has since made a return to full fitness after playing the full 90-minutes during the 0-0 draw with Clermont on Saturday.
Mbappe will now relish the chance to face Newcastle this week, with the club missing several key figures within the defence such as Sven Botman (hamstring) and possibly Dan Burn (illness).
