Zaire-Emery’s speedy recovery boosts PSG
Paris St Germain’s teenage sensation Warren Zaire-Emery is set for a swift return to action less than three weeks after suffering an injury playing for France.
The 17-year-old midfielder was initially expected to be sidelined for the remainder of 2023 because of a sprained ankle on his international debut – a 14-0 win over Gibraltar – on 21 November (AEST).
But PSG boss Luis Enrique confirmed Zaire-Emery is in contention to feature in the Ligue 1 match against Nantes.
“Warren Zaire-Emery is doing well,” the head said.
“He trained well. He is available. It is fantastic news for the players, for the team.”
While there was positive news on Zaire-Emery, who has scored twice in 11 league outings this term, PSG has issues in goal.
Former Spain Under-21 keeper Arnau Tenas is in line to make his first senior start as Gianluigi Donnarumma is suspended as a result of his red card in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Le Havre, while Keylor Navas and Alexandre Letellier are injured.
Enrique has backed 22-year-old rookie Tenas, who came off the bench after Donnarumma’s dismissal, to fill the void competently.
“I’m happy to have so many good players around me,” Enrique said.
“Regarding Arnau, it’s important to highlight that he worked hard to be ready when we needed him.
“That’s what happened last week, he turned up. We know how good he is, and he works hard to be ready at any given moment.”
PSG has won seven league matches in a row ahead of the weekend game at Parc des Princes.
The fixture comes four days before the league leaders attempt to secure progression to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League away at Borussia Dortmund.
Enrique insists his side is not looking beyond ninth-place Nantes, which last week appointed Jocelyn Gourvennec as its new manager after the departure of Pierre Aristouy.
Gourvennec secured a 1-0 victory over Nice in his first match to end the club’s poor run of form, which had brought just a single point from the previous four games.
“The game against Nantes is a big one, and we have another big game in a few days’ time but we’re focused on Saturday’s game,” Enrique said.
“Nantes has got a new manager, who has changed a few things around but will still want his team to perform well against us.
“It’s important for us to play well at home in order to prepare for the game against Dortmund in the best way possible.”
Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz is unavailable as he undergoes further tests after dislocating his right shoulder against Le Havre, while Achraf Hakimi missed training for personal reasons.
Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes remain sidelined but Marquinhos is available to return after three matches out with a hamstring problem.
