PSG's Mbappe fit for Lille, Enrique confirms
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has played down any injury concerns for Kylian Mbappe after the France forward did not take part in full training ahead of the Ligue 1 match against Lille.
Mbappe, who continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer, picked up a minor injury during the Coupe de France win over Brest in midweek.
Despite not having joined in with the rest of the squad for Friday’s final training session and instead worked in the gym, Enrique insists there are no concerns over his availability.
“Kylian will be fit tomorrow and available to play,” Enrique said.
“He didn’t train today because we didn’t want to take any risks, so he trained inside, but he will be available for the game.”
PSG continues its UEFA Champions League campaign next week with the first leg of its Round of 16 tie against Real Sociedad.
Enrique, though, insisted everyone was focused on the job in hand against Lille, which is fourth on the table.
“We are at a point in the season where we play every three days. We have to plan the options with the staff to always be competitive,” Enrique said.
“We must not underestimate any match – all games are important. As a squad, we try to have two players per position of equivalent level.
“We don’t want to forget certain matches, consider one more important than another even if the one against Real Sociedad is highly anticipated.
“We want to be competitive and be able to win every match.”
Enrique said: “Lille has a very good team and a coach that I really like.
“It will be difficult when we have the ball because they will come and press us and difficult when we don’t have it because they have good use of it.
“It’s a great test for us, to prove that we want to be competitive in all matches.”
Forward Randal Kolo Muani missed the midweek cup tie because of a viral infection, while left-back Nuno Mendes is stepping up his recovery from surgery on his hamstring.
Lee Kang-in has been given some time on leave following Asia Cup duty with Korea Republic.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has suggested the club is ready to quit Parc des Princes and look for a new home ground elsewhere after city officials confirmed the stadium was not for sale.
“I believe the president was very clear in his message,” Enrique said.
“I know for sure that he is working to find the best solution for the club. This is essential for us to be stronger.”
