Neymar is ready to return to PSG this weekend to take on Strasbourg in the team’s 5th game of the Ligue 1 season.
It will be the forward’s first match back for PSG since injuring his ankle back in June in a Copa America warmup match against Qatar.
Neymar played for Brazil earlier this week on international duty, scoring his first goal since November 2018.
“He is in the squad,” said Thomas Tuchel. But the boss warned of a cold reception for the Brazilian.
Neymar expected to return to Barcelona over the summer, but the deal failed. Sources revealed later on that PSG’s President Nasser Al-Khelaifi would only sell Neymar at the exorbitant price of €300m in cash.
“I can understand the fans, but cannot control their reactions,” advised Tuchel. “Neymar is our player. We will see what tomorrow brings, but I am not necessarily expecting anything. I am convinced he will give everything to reach our goals. First, win here.”
Neymar’s well-timed return
With both Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani out with injuries, PSG will look to start the 27-year-old Neymar alongside newly signed Argentine Mauro Icardi.
“Neymar’s return is well-timed given fellow forwards Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani will both miss the game due to injury,” Tuchel told reporters on Friday.
“Yes, clearly yes, of course, now everything is clear, we know our group, I’m very happy, we have a lot of talent, we have Neymar in our group, we have nothing else in our head, Ney too, and he can focus on us.
“We miss Edi and Kylian, so he needs to get back and he’s available tomorrow.”
One can only imagine PSG’s strike force when PSG’s full squad is healthy.
