Thomas Tuchel tears his hair out every time he looks at the calendar and the list of infirmary residents.
“We have played eleven games in L 1, four times in the Champions League, recalled the Parisian coach after the difficult success over Leipzig (1-0).
We suffered a lot, a lot of injuries during that time.
We are missing seven players per game on average ”.
Against Leipzig, it was a little less since in addition to the suspended Presnel Kimpembe and Idrissa Gueye (also injured);
Julian Draxler (thigh), Thilo Kehrer (pubis), Mauro Icardi (knee) and Juan Bernat (rehabilitation) were not on the scoresheet.
But the Parisian coach hopes to regain a little depth in his workforce in the short and medium term.
Marco Verratti made his comeback against Leipzig after six weeks without playing.
Mauro Icardi could also return to the competition on Saturday against Bordeaux or on the field of Manchester United next Wednesday.
Bernat in full rehabilitation
Affected by the ligament of a knee in early October, the Argentinian now participates in almost all of the collective training.
His return could reshuffle the cards of competition in attack, especially with Moise Kean, author of a very encouraging start to the season.
Idrissa Gueye, victim of a left thigh injury against Rennes on November 7 (3-0), is also applying for a return to the group this weekend.
Julian Draxler, however, will have to wait a little longer.
Absent for a month due to a thigh injury, the German sees the end of the tunnel and is very close to returning to collective training.
Sessions from which the two long-term injuries will still be away for a long time.
Thilo Kherer is pursuing a protocol to treat his pubalgia and no return date is mentioned.
Juan Bernat is in full rehabilitation after his knee operation at the end of September.
His return to the field is hoped for in February.