Paris Saint-Germain will be without Neymar and Sergio Ramos once again when they face Lille OSC on Sunday in Ligue 1 with little over a week before the UEFA Champions League returns with a round of 16 clash against Real Madrid (on CBS and Paramount+).
The Brazilian turned 30 this weekend and is making progress in his bid to be fit to face the Spanish giants, but PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino was less encouraging regarding Ramos’ hopes of facing his former club at Parc des Princes.
“Neymar’s development has been positive,” the Argentine said at a pre-LOSC press conference on Saturday. “Next week will be key in knowing how likely he is to return and his potential Champions League availability. With Sergio, we will have to see how his problem evolves. We will see next week if he can be available.”
Pochettino continues to be the subject of speculation himself with links to the Manchester United managerial role refusing to go away and the ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss was asked if life is more difficult in the French capital than it might be with a different club.
“There is a complexity at PSG nothing more nor less difficult than there is elsewhere,” said the 49-year-old. “You have to take that into account. The spotlight is on PSG. We are facing the challenge of getting good result and playing well.”
LOSC this weekend are also preparing to return to Champions League action with Chelsea coming up for Jocelyn Gourvennec’s men and Pochettino admitted that facing the French titleholders is ideal preparation for returning to continental action.
“Lille is an important match,” the South American said. “You have to arrive in the best conditions possible for the Champions League. This one also matters in terms of Ligue 1 points and maintaining our lead. The feeling has to be as good as possible ahead of Real.”
PSG are 21 points ahead of Les Dogues in Le Championnat and the champions are down in 11th yet just two points shy of the European places while Pochettino’s men are a provisional 10 points clear of Olympique de Marseille at the summit with a game in hand.