Messi out of Champions League clash with Benfica

Paris Saint-Germain striker, Lionel Messi won’t be available for selection when they face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Messi, who couldn’t finish the first leg of the tie against the Portuguese giant at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica last week, failed to recover from a calf problem.

According to the Ligue 1 champions in their team news on Monday, it was the same injury that kept the 35-year-old out of last weekend’s draw against Stade de Reims in the league.

Speaking with reporters on Monday during a press conference for the Champions League clash, Galtier highlighted the importance of Messi in their game, his form, and the connection he can have with other players.

“We can’t be happy about his absence. But we will have to find other connections to bring danger to the Benfica defence.”

While noting that PSG have other options, the tactician said PSG needs to be able to play down both sides.

 “When Messi plays, we play a lot down the middle. We’ve been working hard on distribution to bring more variety in our attack.”

This is in contrast to what was reported on Sunday by the French media outlet Le Parisien. While reporting that Messi resumed racing and will practice on Monday, it said he would be available to play today.

The report was based on the fact that Parisian staff was firmly optimistic about the veteran forward’s state of health and the chances of recovering from the calf injury to play against Benfica. 

But with this latest development, he will neither start nor play any part in the match.

Meanwhile, Juan Bernat is expected to replace the injured Nuno Mendes.

PSG will now rely mostly on Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for the goals against an opponent they drew against the last time out.

Written by Oladipupo Mojeed