“We have to learn to play without Kylian,” said Luis Enrique, five days ago, to justify his decision to replace Kylian Mbappé thirty minutes from the end of PSG-Rennes (1-1).
The least we can say is that PSG will actually end up getting used to it: while the Parisians were pushed around and held in check on Louis-II's lawn by Monaco, number 7 was once again replaced well before the end of the match, this time during half-time.
🧐 The PSG player joined his clan to follow the end of the match.
#ASMPSG pic.twitter.com/ga2xKkGcAL
— Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) March 1, 2024
Shortly before the break, on an acceleration and trying to avoid a tackle from Maripan, the French international complained of an ankle and had to be handled by the club doctors.
Is this decision one of precaution, four days before the trip to Spain to meet Real Sociedad?
Upon leaving the locker room, in the 48th minute, visibly showered and changed, Kylian Mbappé walked normally and appeared smiling and relaxed, waving to the public and even taking a few selfies on the path which separated the tunnel from the players and... . the stands of the stadium, where he went to take his place alongside his mother.
Kylian #Mbappé is not returning to the bench.
The striker has changed and will sit in the stands to watch the 2nd half.
On the road, he takes the time to greet the public, cap screwed on his head, and even takes a little selfie.
#ASMPSG pic.twitter.com/O32UBeTF1j
— Benjamin Quarez (@B_Quarez) March 1, 2024
This makes four Ligue 1 matches in a row that Kylian Mbappé has not played in full.
Preserved against Lille, before the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League, he entered on the hour mark against Nantes on February 17, then came out against Rennes on the 25th and only played one period at Monaco.
The last three matches having taken place, obviously, after the announcement of his departure from the club.