Paris, February 10 (BNA): Paris Saint-Germain’s injury crisis worsened after the club confirmed on Friday that Lionel Messi will miss this week’s Ligue 1 match against Monaco due to a hamstring injury.
Messi played the full 90 minutes of PSG’s 2-1 defeat by Olympique de Marseille in the French Cup on Wednesday and the 35-year-old is racing against time to be fit for Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 clash with Bayern Munich. Reuters reported.
PSG has already lost Kylian Mbappe to injury for another two weeks, meaning the French striker will not play any part in the first leg against the German champions.
“Regarding Kylian, a call has been made,” PSG coach Christophe Galtier told a news conference ahead of Saturday’s match against Monaco. “We talked about not being available for three weeks. Kylian is being treated.”
“Leo felt muscle fatigue, and he will resume training on Monday. He is not sure about Bayern. We know the importance of Leo in our game. In his absence, we will have to play in a different way with more strength, a more compact team structure.”
“Obviously going to Monaco without Leo is always annoying. Injuries happen when there’s a run of games with World Cup finals in the middle of the season. It’s up to me to have a successful squad while you pump up.”
The Argentine World Cup winner has scored 10 goals and 10 assists in Ligue 1 this season.
However, Galtier confirmed that Achraf Hakimi has overcome a hamstring problem and will be available.
Paris Saint-Germain leads the French League with 54 points from 22 matches, eight points ahead of second-placed Marseille. Monaco ranks fourth with 44 points.
M