PSG Makes Quiet Move Ahead of Manchester City Game

After a three-week break, PSG returns to action. The two-time European champions will host Le Mans on Saturday for Matchday 6 of Ligue 1, but they're already setting their sights on their crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium four days later.

With this trip to England in mind, Luis Enrique and the sporting directors have granted Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes a few extra days of rest, given their heavy workload during the international break. "They will resume training on Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th, respectively," a club statement said earlier.

The Frenchman and the Portuguese player are already ruled out of this weekend's match, joining Senny Mayulu, who is injured for a month. The French Under-21 international hasn't played much since the start of the season, unlike Warren Zaïre-Emery, whose presence at the Parc des Princes is increasingly unlikely after suffering a minor thigh injury while on international duty with France.

The medical staff will take no risks. Other Parisians have played extensively, some worldwide. For example, Marquinhos traveled to Australia and India, while Pacho played matches in Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi has resumed playing for Morocco.

He was returning from injury but rested for the last match against Mali, and he's only played 21 minutes in three games. As for the Spanish side, Ferran Torres returned earlier than expected after an ankle problem, and Fabian Ruiz was present for the birth of his first child. He hasn't played in La Roja's last two matches.

Given each player's current status, Luis Enrique is expected to field an unusual lineup against Le Mans, aiming to rotate his squad to minimize risk ahead of Wednesday's match and give playing time to those who have had less since the start of the season. The defense will be particularly reshuffled to protect Safonov, who is expected to start.

Hakimi could start, but his lack of match fitness will likely keep him off the pitch for most of the game. Without Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves would become his natural replacement. Illia Zabarnyi and Lucas Hernandez have a good chance at center back, and Lucas Digne also has a chance. Lucas Beraldo is the favorite to start at center back alongside Neves and probably Ruiz.

The Dro Fernandez option shouldn't be ruled out either. Up front, four players are still vying for three spots, and most expect Mika Godts to start for the first time since signing. Having impressed with the Red Devils, the Belgian would partner Doué and Akliouche, leaving Kvara on the bench.