PARIS -- Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery has paid tribute to midfielder Thiago Motta as the veteran Italy international keeps everyone guessing regarding his future.
Motta, 34, has endured an injury-hit season but is expected to play on next campaign and the French champions are expected to offer him at least a one-year contract extension.
Speaking at a prematch news conference ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 clash away at Nice, Emery was full of praise for the influential No. 8.
"I think Thiago's career in Paris has been great and important for the club and the players he has been alongside," Emery told journalists at Camp des Loges. "He has given a lot to those who have been able to work with him and he has a very specific style on the pitch.
"Thiago has helped the club grow and I am happy to be able to work with him. Of course he can continue his adventure here. He has been consistent, despite some small injuries. However, when he is at 100 percent, he is impressive and contributes a lot to the team."
Regarding squad news for the trip to Nice, Emery confirmed left-back Layvin Kurzawa, playmaker Javier Pastore, defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak and versatile attacker Hatem Ben Arfa will not travel to Allianz Riviera.
"We are leaving for Nice with a squad of 19 players," he said. "Layvin and Javier are staying in Paris to continue working with the fitness staff. They are not ready for the game.
"Grzegorz and Hatem are not either. I am taking with me the players who are in the best condition for the game."
Emery explained in greater detail why Ben Arfa will not be present to take on his former team and hinted that the Frenchman's season might already be over.
"Hatem was injured for two or three weeks," he added. "I pick the best players, the players who are best prepared for the match."
Asked if Ben Arfa would play again this season, he replied: "I am only thinking about the next game."
PSG need to beat Nice in order to keep the pressure on Monaco at the Ligue 1 summit, as well as remaining at least six points ahead of Lucien Favre's third-placed side.