Good news for PSG supporters as Neymar Jr. is deemed fit to return for Paris Saint-Germain and possibly start for the Parisians when they take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.
Paris is ready to host Real Madrid to the Parc des Princes this Tuesday. They are looking to hurt the mighty Whites, with a fully fit squad.
The Brazilian has missed out a few games. He has been absent from Paris’s starting line-up since November after picking up a ligament injury in the capital club’s 3-1 win at AS Saint-Étienne.
30-year-old was absent for Friday’s 1-0 win over Stade Rennais FC. But, we see hope for the PSG fans, as PSG gaffer Mauricio Pochettino believes Neymar will make a return against Madrid. With very little game time, it is difficult to anticipate for him to start. But a player of his quality, can even make a major difference coming off the bench.
Tome side are expected to start Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. Pochettino is known to play a standard 3-4-3, so we might see the likes of Neymar, if found completely match-ready.
This would one of Messi’s big games, since joining the Paris side. He would expect to play up to his high standards, which we haven’t seen yet.
Neymar’s Injuries Now Becoming an Issue?
Neymar is now recognised by many, as a player who gets injured very often. It is very difficult to see him go a whole season, without getting injured.
It is the sixth time in the past four years that he had suffered an ankle injury. It required specialised care, and nurturing and almost two months for his recovery.
Considering his talent and his exorbitant wages, one must start to wonder if his piling injuries are an important issue to the club.
Now, that he is fit and prepared return, he must look to protect and brace himself from further injuries, now that we approach the end of the season.
Real Madrid Favourites?
The Spanish side have seen a slight dip in their performance over the past couple of weeks. Â But coming to a Champions League Round of 16, they are nominated as favourites.
PSG have recently won their past two games in the Ligue 1. They also rank at the top of the table. However, they were knocked out of the French SuperCup Round of 16, in a humiliating defeat to OGC Nice.
Real Madrid on the contrary, have been better and maintained their winning form. They don’t look as sharp as they did in the beginning of the season. But, with Benzema and Vinicius in superb touch, we see them taking the edge.
It would be a perfect matchup, coming at the right time as it would test the ability of both the table-top teams.
