Football
9y

Paris Saint-Germain with only 13 players available for Toulouse clash

PARIS -- Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has just 13 players fit for Saturday's Ligue 1 game at home to Toulouse as injuries and suspensions continue to blight his plans.

Winger Lucas Moura, midfielder Yohan Cabaye and right-back Serge Aurier are all out after picking up injuries last weekend, and centre-back Marquinhos -- who played in the 1-1 Champions League draw against Chelsea on Tuesday -- is doubtful because of a muscle problem.

Defender David Luiz and midfielder Marco Verratti, meanwhile, are both suspended for the Toulouse clash.

"I only have 13 players available for tomorrow," Blanc told a news conference on Friday.

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, however, is available for Saturday, but then serves a two-game ban following a dangerous tackle on St Etienne winger Yohan Mollo.

The suspension rules the striker out of next week's Ligue 1 trip to Monaco and the subsequent Coupe de France quarterfinal clash against the same side three days later.

"We've proved that we can play well without our leaders," Blanc added. "That will have to be the case against Monaco without Zlatan."

Blanc again praised Edinson Cavani after his impressive performance against Chelsea on Tuesday, in which he scored one goal and was denied more by the outstanding goalkeeping of Thibaut Courtois.

Cavani has been criticised at times this season, notably after missing several clear-cut chances in the 1-1 draw against Lyon two weeks ago.

"I don't consider Cavani's goal [against Chelsea] to be a personal victory," Blanc said. "I've never changed my mind about Cavani. He's a great player."

PSG are currently tied with Marseille in second place in Ligue 1, two points behind leaders Lyon with 13 games remaining.

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