Mbappe only fit for the bench as PSG aim to stun Man City

Pulse News Agency International by AFP

May 4, 2021 6:21 PM

Big miss: Kylian Mbappe was only fit enough for a place on the Paris Saint-Germain bench for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg against Manchester City

Big miss: Kylian Mbappe was only fit enough for a place on the Paris Saint-Germain bench for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg against Manchester City Creator: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT

Kylian Mbappe was only fit enough for a place on the Paris Saint-Germain bench as the French champions attempt to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

Mbappe is suffering from a calf strain that saw him miss Saturday's 2-1 win over Lens which kept PSG in the Ligue 1 title race.

The absence of the French World Cup winner from the start is a huge blow to PSG's hopes of reaching the final for a second consecutive season.

City manager Pep Guardiola makes two changes from the side that started in Paris six days ago as the Premier League leaders aim to reach the final for the first time in their history.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fernandinho come in for Joao Cancelo and Rodri as Guardiola makes nine changes from the team that moved to the brink of a third English title in four years with a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Raheem Sterling is again relegated to the bench with Guardiola opting for a flexible front three of Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez.

Starting line-ups:

Manchester City (4-3-3)

Ederson; Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Ilkay Gundogan, Fernandinho (capt), Kevin De Bruyne; Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden

Coach: Pep Guardiola (ESP)

Paris Saint-Germain (4-2-3-1)

Keylor Navas; Alessandro Florenzi, Marquinhos (capt), Presnel Kimpembe, Abdou Diallo; Leandro Paredes, Ander Herrera; Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti, Neymar; Mauro Icardi

Coach: Mauricio Pochettino (ARG)

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (NED)

afp

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

Pulse News Agency International by AFP