The French star looks set to shake off fitness issues much quicker than initially anticipated
Kylian Mbappe’s chances of playing for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals against Atalanta are improving by the day after the striker was seen training on Saturday.
While training alone, Mbappe was seen with the ball at his feet and even took some shots on goal as the 21-year-old suggested he might be fit for some action Wednesday night.
The Frenchman injured his right ankle late last month in the Coupe de France final against Saint-Etienne with early reports indicating that he would be out for at least three weeks meaning he would lose the Atalanta match .
Mbappe’s recovery, however, appears to defy early expectations and he was named to the PSG traveling squad to face Atalanta.
Thomas Tuchel had previously hinted that Saturday would be a defining day for Mbappe and his hopes of playing in the Champions League clash next week.
“The deadline is short, super short,” the PSG boss told reporters. “Today we talked to the doctor and we decided to meet again on Saturday to see what stage he is in and if it is possible that he is on the bench against Atalanta. But I don’t expect too much.”
Atalanta are likely gearing up for Mbappe to play a role in the clash with midfielder Remo Freuler who recently said he was skeptical that the Frenchman would not be involved.
“I know Angel Di Maria is disqualified but I will only believe in Mbappe and [Marco] The absence of Verratti when I see the team on the pitch, “said Freuler Eco of Bergamo.
“It’s a Champions League quarter-final, everyone wants to be there and they’re doing everything they can to participate.”
PSG had a string of hard injuries with Veratti injured in midweek training, while both Layvin Kurzawa and Thilo Kehrer were left out.
Tuchel himself was also an unexpected addition to the club’s injury list with the German manager spraining his ankle and breaking a bone in his foot during a PSG training session on Thursday night.
Despite those injuries, Tuchel will still be present for Atalanta’s game, but will likely be forced to remain seated as he watches his side attempt to maintain the Champions League campaign.
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