To compose his team for the first official match of the season, this Sunday against Lille (8 p.m., on Amazon Prime), for the Champions Trophy, in Tel Aviv, Mauricio Pochettino faces many absences.
To the injured - Sergio Ramos (calf), Rafinha (knee), Dagba (ankle), Bernat (recovery) - are added indeed the internationals still on vacation - Neymar, Di Maria, Paredes, Marquinhos, Sarabia, Verratti and Donnarumma - without forgetting Kylian Mbappé remained in Paris to continue his preparation.
To make matters worse, midfielder Idrissa Gueye, ill, had to forfeit a few hours before the match.
The Argentine coach finally made the choice to integrate Presnel Kimpembe into his starting team, who has only had one week of training since his return from vacation. His presence will be invaluable to support Kehrer in central defense while Diallo slips to the left. On the right, Moroccan rookie Hakimi, already attractive during preparation matches, will naturally be established.
In midfield, the absence of Gueye, who should even have been captain, leads Pochettino to align Danilo, recently returned from his vacation as Kimpembe. He will be supported by two holders of the friendly match against Sevilla (2-2), last Tuesday: Herrera and Dina Ebimbe. For the latter, it will be a great first. Tenured four times in preparation matches, such as against Sevilla (he had been replaced at the break by Simons, the young 20-year-old midfielder), loaned to Le Havre two years ago, and to Dijon last season, he s 'ready to experience strong emotions this Sunday evening. He arrived at PSG at the age of 11.
Finally in attack, alongside Draxler and Icardi, we note the tenure of Kalimuendo, 19, who distinguished himself on Tuesday in the second half against Sevilla and who will have the opportunity to confirm the promises made in Lens last season where he had been loaned.
Note on the bench, the presence of Wijnaldum, the first minutes of which are expected in his new colors.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲́𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 day!
👊
🆚 @losclive
📱 #LOSCPSG
🏟️ Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv
⌚️ 𝟮𝟬𝗵 𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗧
🏆 # TDC2021 pic.twitter.com/5pI6VHn65n
- Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 1, 2021
The starting lineup against Lille:
Navas - Hakimi, Kehrer, Kimpembe (cap.), Diallo - Danilo, Herrera, Dina Ebimbe - Kalimuendo, Draxler, Icardi