Some key players are sidelined for Toulouse, but PSG welcomes back a promising talent.
On the eve of the match, the number of absentees expected for PSG-Toulouse is becoming clearer, as both clubs have officially confirmed no fewer than eight missing players -- including the four familiar names on the Paris side.
The first Ligue 1 match following the March international break, Friday evening's PSG-Toulouse will pit two teams deprived of a significant number of players, with no fewer than eight absences now officially confirmed by both clubs on the eve of the fixture. On the Paris side, the bad news was announced through the usual medical update.
Four Injured Players for PSG, but No New Ones
As suggested by Luis Enrique, Fabian Ruiz will not make his return for PSG-Toulouse, as the midfielder -- along with Bradley Barcola -- is "continuing his individual work," implying that the Spaniard has not yet even rejoined group training, contrary to what had been hoped before the break. Still in a lengthy recovery process, "Quentin Ndjantou continues his treatment protocol."
The closest to rejoining the group is logically Senny Mayulu, who suffered a minor calf injury in the match at Nice before the break and is "in the process of returning to group training." Despite being unable to play in PSG-Toulouse, it seems relatively likely that he will participate in next Wednesday's PSG-Liverpool, which is six days away. Another piece of good news: the international break produced no new injuries in the Paris ranks. Some players will likely be rested due to long travel, but there are no injuries in the strict sense.
An Important Return but Four Absentees for Toulouse
On Toulouse's side, the absentees are roughly as numerous -- with a thinner squad to work with. Considered the best defender at Toulouse, Charlie Cresswell will not make the trip as he is not sufficiently recovered. Forward Franck Magri is now fit, however, but has been deemed still too short after many months of absence and will therefore miss PSG-Toulouse. Another forward who will not be available is Argentine Santiago Hidalgo, who is both injured and suspended -- a name that is decidedly unwelcome at the Parc des Princes.
On the other hand, highly promising left wingback Dayann Methalie has recovered from his injury and rejoins the Toulouse squad. That will not be the case for Rafik Messali, another Toulouse fullback whose ankle injury has not yet fully healed. Not mentioned because he has been absent for a very long time, midfielder Abu Francis is also unavailable for this Matchday 28 Ligue 1 fixture.
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