Marco Verratti has emerged as a doubt for Paris Saint-Germain’s clash with Manchester United after Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the midfielder had suffered an injury setback. The 26-year-old has been out of action since mid-January with a sprained ankle but returned to training on Monday ahead of a crucial week for the French champions. However, PSG boss Tuchel revealed that Verratti was unable to complete Tuesday’s training session, meaning he is unlikely to feature in the side’s Ligue 1 match with Bordeaux this weekend. PSG travel to Old Trafford for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next week and Tuchel will be sweating over the Italian’s fitness.
‘Marco Verratti could not finish training yesterday [Tuesday]. He had problems,’ Tuchel said. ‘I have to wait until tomorrow [Thursday] to decide if he can play against Bordeaux. ‘His new problem is something else, but I do not know too much.’
Neymar has already been ruled out of both legs and Tuchel is reluctant to put too much pressure of PSG’s young star, Kylian Mbappe. ‘I usually prefer Kylian to be the finisher – when he’s our last line of attack against the opposing defence,’ the German said. ‘He’s incredibly dangerous because of his pace and his hunger to score goals.
‘I don’t want him to take on Neymar’s responsibilities of providing assists and keeping possession in the last few yards. ‘We have players that are able to do it – players who can support Kylian and Edi [Cavani] and provide them with the right pass. ‘Both strikers need to be the finishers, that’s the most important thing.’
