GOAL 

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says he expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel Di Maria to be available for selection very soon. 

Les Parisiens kicked off their Ligue 1 campaign with a 1-0 win at Lille last Saturday despite being without the talismanic Swede as well as their €63 million signing Di Maria, who moved to Parc des Princes from Manchester United in the first week of August.

And while the pair will still be absent for Sunday's match against Ajaccio, Blanc assures that they could well return next week in order to help PSG defend their league title.

"Zlatan is following his recovery programme, he is still not 100 per cent healed yet," the trainer told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "He is making good progress in his recovery and we hope that he can return next week.

"Di Maria is still undergoing a physical programme but could also take part in full training with the group next week. He arrived late and was injured when he came, but he's been doing a good job in double sessions each day and has not felt problems in his thigh."

Blanc also confirmed left-back Lucas Digne is on the verge of a transfer to Serie A side Roma, while opening the door for Thiago Motta to remain at the club as he looks set to sign a new contract, despite multiple stories linking the midfielder with a departure this summer.

"Digne is not going to be in the group for the game on Sunday. We are waiting for a player to replace him before we let him go to Roma," the 49-year-old continued.

"The uncertain future of some players can affect the balance of the team, but we will do everything to ensure that this is not the case. We are focused on the games ahead because it is more important than the transfer window.

"I'm looking forward to September 1 when the transfer window closes. You know the situation regarding Motta - if he still here after August 31, I will be happy."