Prior to Paris Saint-Champions Germain’s League match against Bayern Munich, Kylian Mbappe resumed training, increasing the likelihood that the attacker will play after initially being expected to sit out.
Mbappe suffered a hamstring injury in PSG’s 3-1 victory over Montpellier on February 1, prompting the French powerhouses to predict a three-week absence for him.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier has emphasized the need to properly manage Mbappe’s injuries, while Julian Nagelsmann of Bayern Munich has accused PSG of “playing poker” with Mbappe’s availability.
On the eve of Tuesday’s round-of-16 first leg between the two European giants, PSG were handed a boost as Mbappe was pictured in training with his team-mates.
Mbappe’s potential return could be pivotal for a PSG side that has struggled in his absence, exiting the Coupe de France against Marseille last week before being beaten 3-1 by Monaco in Ligue 1.
Since making his PSG debut in 2017, Mbappe has recorded 57 goal contributions (34 goals, 23 assists) in 50 Champions League appearances – no other player has managed 20 goals and 20 assists in the competition during that span.
Lionel Messi was also absent for PSG’s dire defeat at Monaco, though Galtier maintained he would return to training on Monday, and the World Cup winner was seen alongside Mbappe as the side stepped up their preparations for Tuesday’s game.
⚽️📸 Today’s session in photos ⤵️
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 13, 2023
🔜 #PSGFCB I #UCL pic.twitter.com/f7TOyap8QR