PSG Suffer Major Blow as Joao Neves Misses Le Classique Against Marseille

Ahead of the crucial Ligue 1 game against Olympique de Marseille on Sunday, PSG received bad news. Joao Neves has picked up a hamstring injury that will prevent him from participating in the awaited Le Classique game.

A left hamstring injury was sustained during PSG’s massive 4:0 win at Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. PSG officially stated, “Neves will continue his rehabilitation until next week after a left hamstring injury sustained against Atalanta yesterday.”

This injury could not have come at a worse moment for Luis Enrique’s team. The 20-year-old became a key player after his €60 million transfer from Benfica during last summer transfer window.

His energy and technical ability in the midfield make him an instant darling among PSG fans and an integral part of the plans for the team.

PSG, on its part, confirmed on Thursday that Neves won’t be ready for the clash this weekend. “Neves picked up the issue during PSG’s 4-0 win over Atalanta in the first match of their Champions League title defense on Wednesday,” the club stated.

The injury adds more stars to the ever-growing injury concerns at PSG. The French and European champions are already concerned about the absence of key players like Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.

These emerging injuries of some key players are putting the depth of Luis Enrique’s squad to the test as they try to cope with domestic and European competitions this season.

Timing Could Not Be Worse for PSG

Now, the timing of the injury of Neves is lousy for PSG. Le Classique is supposed to bea grand fixture in French football.

The rivalry is so fierce between PSG and Marseille that one can feel the enormous passion and excitement among fans.

PSG makes a trip to the intimidating Stade Velodrome after perfect beginnings for their Ligue 1 campaign.

They have taken perfect points from their first four matches, scored goals freely, and looked dominant in most matches.

However, Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi has also started well this season. The Italian coach brought his attacking mentality to the south of France, so OM would want to prove that they can tussle with wealthy Parisian rivals across a long season.

His absence will leave Enrique shuffling his midfield combinations: Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz are likely to be among the players called up to fill the void created by the absence of this young Portuguese star.

He has quickly established himself among Europe ‘s most promising young midfielders.

Last year at Benfica, his performances swayed enough attention and earned him a call-up to the Portugal national team for major tournaments. Joao Neves brings pace, pressing, and creativity to PSG’s midfield.

All the major competitions, such as the Champions League, Ligue 1, and domestic cups, will have their own requirements for squad rotation and how to manage fitness for players.

French Football Weekly reported that “Neves is therefore officially forfeited for the Sunday Clasico against OM.” This was the temporary confirmation that all hopes could be pinned on the hope of the midfielder making the match on time.

The hope of PSG fans is that it would not be serious and Neves would be back quickly.

Indeed, the medical team of the club will work very hard to bring him back to full fitness as soon as possible because modern sports medicine can manage even the simplest treatments of hamstring injuries with the appropriate way of dealing.

The match against Marseille will put in check the title credentials of PSG. Without Neves, they still possess enough talent all around to get a good result.

However, others, such as Kylian Mbappe’s successor Bradley Barcola and veteran Marco Verratti, will have to step up in his absence.

Marseille will see this injury report as more good news on PSG’s end. The Velodrome will be alive with the rowdy OM fanatics, and then De Zerbi’s team will try to capitalize on an even greater weakness in PSG’s lineup and find some success in a victory that is famous.