Kylian Mbappe to face Atalanta says PSG boss Thomas Tuchel
Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Kylian Mbappe could play against Atalanta on Wednesday in their Champions League clash.
Mbappe suffered an ankle injury against Saint-Etienne in the Coupe de France final in July but the German manager suggested that he is likely to play.
Speaking to RMC, Tuchel said: “If he trains well today and nothing extraordinary happens to him, he will be in the team tomorrow.”
With Mbappe short of match fitness and also suffering from the injury, it appears likely that Tuchel will start the young forward from the bench.
“The pressure is mounting a bit, we are lacking in rhythm, we have only had two matches, but they were two finals, two decisive matches, the same thing, and my team is great in the decisive moments, in decisive matches, like in a final, with penalties, that gave us a lot, a lot of confidence.
"To finish the match, it won’t be possible for 90 minutes, but to finish the match yes.”
PSG finished top of Ligue Un before the premature end of the season due to the coronavirus.
Their opponents Atalanta were able to finish their Serie A season after an extended break following the initial outbreak.
Atalanta's manager Gian Peiro Gasperini said that his club was playing not just for themselves, but the region.
"We know the level of expectation that there is around this match, and how much passion there is for Atalanta in Bergamo and the surrounding province," explained Gasperini.
"There is extra motivation for us after what has happened. We have to represent our city in the best possible way and give the people something to smile about."
Gasperini's side finished third in the league and the 62-year-old coach is optimistic of his side's chances against PSG and beyond.
"We have shown that without being a big club or having massive investment it is possible to do well in the Champions League with passion, good football and desire."
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