PSG HAVE CONFIRMED that Neymar will miss both legs of their Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester United through injury.
The Brazilian sustained a metatarsal injury in his right foot during PSG’s clash against Strasbourg in the Coupe de France round of 16 match on 23 January and he received a thorough examination at the club’s training ground on Tuesday.
Following the review from renowned medical experts, Neymar has been ruled out of action for ten weeks, which will see him miss a crucial run of fixtures for the French champions.
The mercurial winger will play no part in PSG’s trip to Old Trafford on 12 February, nor will he be available to play in the return leg at Parc Des Princes on 3 March.
This latest news will come as a huge blow to supporters and PSG boss Thomas Tuchel, given the fact that Neymar has had such a huge influence on their 2018-19 campaign so far.
The 26-year-old has scored 19 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this season, helping PSG storm clear at the top of Ligue 1.
Tuchel admitted earlier in the week that it would be ‘extremely difficult’ for Neymar to recover in time to face United and he has unfortunately been proven correct in his assessment.
Neymar will now miss a number of crucial domestic games additionally, including the trip to Lyon this Saturday and another away clash against Saint Ettiene on February 17.
Fortunately, PSG are already overwhelming favourites to retain their Ligue 1 crown, having established a 13 point lead at the top of the table ahead of Lille.
Depending on how Neymar’s recovery goes, he might also have to sit out the Champions League quarter-finals if PSG get past Man United, with his expected return date not yet known for certain.
Join us to preview the Six Nations with Simon Zebo, Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey on Thursday @7pm in Liberty Hall Theatre Dublin.
