Paris Saint-Germain Backs Themselves To Handle Deepening Injury Woes

‎Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, Luis Enrique has emphasized the importance of players being able to adapt to multiple roles.

‎However, with injuries piling up, versatility has shifted from a tactical preference to a necessity.

‎The latest setback came on Wednesday when Joao Neves limped off with a thigh injury during their 4-0 Champions League victory over Atalanta.

‎He joined Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Lucas Beraldo among the absentees, leaving PSG with just 19 players available.

‎Luis Enrique started with 19-year-old Senny Mayulu up front against the Italians on Wednesday.

‎“We don’t know yet, he will have to undergo tests either Thursday or Friday,” Luis Enrique said of midfielder Neves.

‎He added that they would not take risks with Dembele or Doue for Sunday’s clash with rivals Marseille.

‎“We are not worried because it’s manageable, we always manage to have a competitive team,” said goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

‎Full-back Nuno Mendes admitted the squad was being tested but was confident they had the depth to weather the storm.

‎“We have a lot of matches, a lot of injuries, it’s complicated to manage,” he said.

‎“But we know how to prepare and we have players who can replace those who are missing. We are a strong, solid team.”

‎The sheer number of games PSG faced last season is taking its toll. They played 65 matches, even enduring the Club World Cup in challenging conditions until mid-July.

‎The team has relied heavily on stalwarts like Mendes, Vitinha, and Bradley Barcola, raising concerns about the risk of additional injuries.

‎Behind the scenes, the club has sought to ease workloads by managing training sessions and granting rest days, but even that is no guarantee players will stay off the treatment table.

‎”This is football,” said Luis Enrique, “no one is completely safe from injuries.”