The defence of Paris Saint-Coupe Germain’s de France title begins on Monday night when high-flying Nice visits the Parc des Princes for the last-16.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side is coming off a 4-0 demolition of Reims, while the visitors defeated struggling Metz 2-0.
Team News
PSG will have to make do with a severely depleted team this weekend, as Georginio Wijnaldum and Neymar are both out with ankle ailments, while Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to return from his calf problem.
Juan Bernat and Alexandre Letellier are also expected to play, while Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Abdou Diallo and Idrissa Gueye of Senegal prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Juan Bernat and Alexandre Letellier are also expected to play, while Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Abdou Diallo and Idrissa Gueye of Senegal prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Other international absences have rocked Les Parisiens in recent days, with Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes representing Argentina, Keylor Navas representing Costa Rica, and Marquinhos representing Brazil.
However, Lionel Messi has remained in Paris following his recovery from COVID-19, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner might be paired with periphery players like Denis Franchi, Julian Draxler, Xavi Simons, and Colin Dagba, who would look to capitalize on Sergio Ramos’ absence.
Meanwhile, Nice have no injury or suspension concerns this weekend, with Mario Lemina and Youcef Atal both returning to the fold following the AFCON eliminations of Gabon and Algeria, respectively.
Pablo Rosario will serve a suspension for collecting too many yellow cards against Clermont next weekend, but he is available here and should reunite with Thuram in the midfield.
If Atal is declared fit enough, he might replace Jordan Lotomba in the starting lineup, but Galtier should otherwise keep to the Metz winning formula.
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Dagba, Kehrer, Kimpembe, Mendes; Herrera, Pereira, Verratti; Draxler, Icardi, Mbappe
Nice possible starting lineup:
Benitez; Atal, Todibo, Dante, Amavi; Boudaoui, Rosario, Thuram, Stengs; Gouiri, Dolberg
