Pochettino 'optimistic' Mbappe WILL be fit for Man City semi-final

Beware Manchester City! Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic Kylian Mbappe WILL be fit for PSG’s Champions League semi-final showdown at the Etihad after picking up calf problem in first leg

  • PSG face a season-defining second-leg clash with Manchester City on Tuesday 
  • The Ligue 1 side lost 2-1 in the first match of the Champions League semi-final 
  • Kylian Mbappe suffered a calf issue in the match and missed out against Lens 
  • PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is confident he will have Mbappe in his line-up  

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is banking on Kylian Mbappe winning his race to be fit for the Ligue 1 side’s Champions League semi-final comeback mission at Manchester City.  

Tuesday night is another critical night in PSG’s history as the club chase European glory, after the French Champions lost the first-leg 2-1 to Pep Guardiola’s men. 

Kylian Mbappe played the full 90 minutes but walked off the Parc des Princes pitch nursing an injury in his right calf, and missed PSG’s victory over Lens on Saturday. 

PSG are desperate to have Kylian Mbappe fit for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final

The forward came out of the first-leg loss to Manchester City last week with a calf problem 

‘Will Mbappe be there? I’m optimistic,’ Pochettino told Canal+. 

‘We think he will be there. We will see how it evolves tomorrow. We will decide before the match.’  

Neymar and Marquinhos made-up for Mbappe’s absence by guiding PSG through the newly-promoted over-achievers 2-1 on Saturday, but the World Cup winner’s power and pace will be crucial on Tuesday. 

Pochettino’s side had led at half-time in the first-leg but a petulant second-half saw the Parisians throw their lead. The Argentine now knows exactly what’s required of his side at the Etihad.  

Mauricio Pochettino believes he will have the World Cup winner’s services for the critical game

The Frenchman had to miss-out of PSG’s 2-1 victory over Lens in Ligue 1 on Saturday afternoon 

‘We had to win today, and Tuesday (we have to) score two goals and not concede,’ Pochettino continued. 

‘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.’




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