Neymar Returns To PSG Training Ahead of Madrid Clash
Brazil international Neymar took part in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) training on Thursday and has a chance of featuring in next week’s UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Neymar, 30, has not played for PSG since November 28 after spraining the ligaments in his left ankle during the 3-1 win over Saint-Etienne. He was initially due to miss between six and eight weeks of action and has missed PSG’s last 12 matches.
However, he has stepped up his recovery programme by playing a small part in group training on the eve of PSG’s Ligue 1 meeting with Rennes.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has ruled Neymar out of Friday’s game, but a decision on whether he can play any part against Madrid in five days’ time will be made next week.
“He’s a great player who wants to play in the big games,” Pochettino said in an interview. “But he’s an experienced player who has had injuries before. He has the maturity to be able to handle these types of situations and use these situations to bring out the best in himself.”
“We will wait and decide in the next few days if he will be there for Tuesday.”
Chidi Nwoke/PSG.
