Kylian Mbappé was not featured in a leaked Paris Saint-Germain starting XI team sheet for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League quarterfinals game against Atalanta.
According to RMC Sport (translated by French journalist Jonathan Johnson), PSG manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly informed his players that the starting XI vs. Atalanta in the Champions League later will be comprised of:
Keylor Navas — Thilo Kehrer, Thiago Silva (captain), Presnel Kimpembe, Juan Bernat — Marquinhos, Ander Herrera, Idrissa Gueye — Pablo Sarabia, Mauro Icardi, and Neymar.
It seems Tuchel is sticking to his classic 4-3-3 formation and hoping the Argentine Icardi will fill in the shoes of the young World Cup winner. Even if leaked, this is consistent with what Tuchel had in mind recently.
The PSG boss said Kylian Mbappé would be fit to play if “nothing extraordinary happens” by the time the team takes the pitch.
“We are really pleased to have the possibility of finishing the match with Kylian on the pitch,” said Tuchel, according to the BBC. “That gives Neymar someone who likes playing alongside him.”
Kylian Mbappé badly sprained his ankle during PSG's French Cup final win over Saint-Etienne on July 24. He was initially expected to need a full three weeks of recovery, but he has recovered in time to make a cameo in the Champions League quarterfinals against a hopeful Atalanta.
The French dynamo might not be fit to play a full 90 minutes, but even getting 20 or more at some point in this game could play a vital role in getting back to full fitness. If the Italian side finds the net first, Tuchel might be forced to deploy his weapon earlier than anticipated.
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