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Regular-article-logo Wednesday, 11 December 2024

PSG bank on Kylian Mbappe to start against Leipzig

The France World Cup winner came off the bench for the last half hour against Atalanta last week to set up the winning goal

Agencies Lisbon Published 18.08.20, 03:07 AM
Kylian Mbappe arrives for a training session at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on August 11, 2020.

Kylian Mbappe arrives for a training session at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on August 11, 2020. AP

Paris St Germain striker Kylian Mbappe could start Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final against RB Leipzig, as both the clubs target their first appearance in a Champions League final.

Mbappe came off the bench for the last half hour against Atalanta last week to set up the winning goal, and Tuchel told a news conference the France World Cup winner had suffered no reaction to his injured ankle.

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Asked whether Mbappe could start in attack alongside Brazilian Neymar, Tuchel said: “Yes, he played 30 minutes against Atalanta and had no problems with his ankle,” Tuchel said.

“Since then he has had six days to recover, he will train and if there is the possibility for him to start we will see if can play the 90 minutes. We’ll decide if it starts or if he comes into play (from the bench),” he added.
Until the 21-year-old injected speed and invention into the left side, Neymar had carried much of the responsibility for the PSG attacks on his own shoulders.

Tuchel said the Brazilian’s performance had shown qualities that are not always acknowledged.
“Since I arrived he has always been a leader. A different leader, not as everyone understands him, but with his qualities, his confidence, his courage on the field, his will to win. He loves competition and you need that to be a leader,” he said.

Kick-off: 12.30am IST

Ole on new buys

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he plans to strengthen his squad ahead of next season following a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals in Cologne on Sunday.

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