Will Kylian Mbappe be playing against Newcastle? PSG and France forward injury latest
Paris Saint-Germain look to be edging back towards top form after a mixed start to their Ligue 1 title defence in the 2023/24 season.
Luis Enrique’s methods are beginning to bear fruit in Paris, with three league wins from four, and a strong 2-0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund to open their European campaign.
PSG have been paired in a very strong looking Group F, alongside Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle United, with their chances of European success likely to hinge on the form and fitness of superstar Kylian Mbappe.
However, ahead of a crucial run of games, including a trip to Newcastle on October 4, the France captain has suffered an injury setback.
Kylian Mbappe injury update
PSG fans were immediately put on alert when Mbappe went down in pain after a collision with Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi early on in their 4-0 El Classique derby win in Paris on September 24th.
Mbappe initially asked to stay on, but after consultation with the PSG medical team, Enrique made the call to substitute him on 32 minutes, to protect a twisted ankle.
Enrique was asked about the latest update on Mbappe in his post match press conference and the former Barcelona boss is confident it is not a major issue.
“It’s not serious, but there was pain,” said the Spaniard. “I think it was smarter to come off. It’s a blow, he’s fine.”
Will Kylian Mbappe be fit to face Newcastle?
Enrique’s comments will be a relief to PSG fans, who had feared a potential ankle sprain, which could rule him out for around six weeks of action, including some key upcoming Champions League matches.
However, Enrique did not give a firm indication on exactly what the injury is, or how long Mbappe could be sidelined for. If it is only classed as a minor knock, Enrique will opt for rest, to preserve his key forward.
Enrique will provide an update on the France captain before the Ligue 1 trip to Clermont on September 30, but Mbappe could be rested for that game and given extra time to recove for key journey to St. James’ Park on October 4th.
“If they don’t have Mbappé, this might be a team that might not win Ligue 1.”@JOYPAULIAN and @S_Fusaro on what Mbappé’s injury could mean for PSG. ???? pic.twitter.com/TruIVuV9nR
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 25, 2023
Kylian Mbappe transfer latest
Mbappe found himself at the centre of a transfer storm ahead of the new season after once again declining to extend his contract at the Parc des Princes beyond its expiry in June 2024.
The club hierarchy opted for a hardline stance, with Mbappe omitted from their preseason tour of Japan, as the club publicly confirmed their plan to sell him, if no agreement was reached on a new contract.
Despite the potential for a world record move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, Mbappe rejected all offers, as he wanted to remain in Paris to complete his contract.
The former AS Monaco striker remains as a key target for Real Madrid, with PSG indicating their view that a free transfer has already been agreed, ahead of a 2024 switch to Spain.
Kylian Mbappe 2023/24 PSG stats
Mbappe won a fifth successive Ligue 1 Golden Boot award at the end of last season, after netting 29 league goals, as PSG retained their title.
Despite the off-field controversy that dominated his build up to the new season, Mbappe has been in sensational form for Enrique’s team since the start of the campaign, with seven league goals in 370 minutes of action.
