Normal operations will return in France on Wednesday, with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar both expected to play for Paris Saint-German when they continue their Ligue 1 season 45 days after the World Cup with a home match against struggling Strasbourg.
However, Lionel Messi will not participate in the round of 16 because he is still at home celebrating Argentina’s victory in the World Cup final in Qatar.
Last week, though, it was reported that the 35-year-old Messi will sign a one-year extension to his contract, which ends in the summer.
Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final but still lost as France failed the penalty shootout, returned to training on Wednesday with Achraf Hakimi, one of Morocco’s standouts during their journey to the semifinals.
Additionally, Kylian Mbappe cannot leave Paris, according to a France icon.
Mbappe, Messi, and Hakimi were among the 14 Ligue 1 players from eight different clubs that advanced to the semifinals in Qatar.
Neymar, whose team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Croatia, returned on Thursday along with compatriot Marquinhos, with both likely to have a role in Wednesday’s match at the Parc des Princes.
PSG LEADING THE PACK
PSG is presently five points ahead of second-place Lens, whom they will face on Sunday in Flanders.
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Lens, meanwhile, will aim to maintain pressure on PSG when they travel to Nice on Thursday to face Nice.
On Thursday, third-placed Rennes will travel to Reims with Lovro Majer and Joe Rodon back from international duty in Qatar.
Bruno Genesio, the manager of Rennes, stated, “For me, a new season begins with the same uncertainties, the same unknowns, before the first league match of the season.” We will determine which team has handled this situation most effectively.
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Marseille, which is just one point behind fourth-placed Toulouse, hosts Toulouse, which is mired in the middle of the table.
Paris Saint-Argentine Germain’s forward Lionel Messi (C) celebrates with Paris Saint-Brazilian Germain’s forward Neymar (R) and Paris Saint-French Germain’s forward Kylian Mbappe (L) after scoring the 4-1 goal against FC Lorient on April 3, 2022 at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
“FANTASTIC BOY” TAGLIAFICO
Messi is not the only World Cup champion in Ligue 1; Nicolas Tagliafico has also been basking in the sun and will miss Wednesday’s trip to Brest with Lyon.
“Tagliafico is now the world champion, and I would like to congratulate him,” said Laurent Blanc, the Lyon coach who took over in October after Peter Bosz was fired following a five-match winless streak.
“His return date is January 1, and his wedding is on the 28th. He has many reasons to rejoice at the present.
“I hope he will return in good physical condition. Being a world champion is no small feat. May he return speedily.”
Lyon are presently ninth in the table, 10 points behind the Champions League positions, prompting Blanc to reiterate that they must be active in the January transfer window in order to contend.
On Monday, he stated, “We must enhance the team.” “I do not request anything at all. I am informing my owners and directors that if we are to fulfill our goals, the squad must be improved. “That’s it.”
The relegation zone will also get attention as Angers, three points behind Strasbourg, travels to Ajaccio, which is only four points and two positions above them.
Fixtures
Wednesday (1400 GMT unless indicated) (1400 GMT unless stated)
Ajaccio v Angers, Troyes v Nantes, Auxerre v Monaco (1600), Clermont v Lille (1800), Brest v Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain v Strasbourg (both 2000)
Thursday (2000 GMT unless stated) (2000 GMT unless stated)
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