Neymar could miss out for PSG on Montpellier trip

22 September 2017 16:11

Neymar has reportedly been omitted from Paris St Germain’s squad due to a minor foot injury as the capital club bid to extend their 100 per cent start to the season at Montpellier.

The Brazilian, a world record signing from Barcelona this summer, has been in the headlines this week following an apparent disagreement with Edinson Cavani over who would take a penalty in last week’s 2-0 victory over Lyon.

And despite training on Thursday, Neymar will be rested for the trip to the Stade de la Mosson in an effort to allow him to recover for next week’s mouthwatering Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, according to L’Equipe.

But PSG boss Unai Emery was at pains to stress there is harmony in the dressing room as he attempted to play down reports of a bust-up between two of his star players.

He told a press conference: “The atmosphere is great in the dressing room. It’s true that there are characters and cultures. We can pay attention to that, but the atmosphere is good. The players are competitors who want the best for the team and, after that, for themselves.”

However, Emery gave an equivocal answer as to who will take penalties in future, with Cavani seeing his spot-kick saved against Lyon following his confrontation with Neymar.

Emery added: “Numerous players are capable of taking responsibility for them. Here, the two penalty-takers are Cavani and Neymar.

“Both players are capable of taking them. Who is number one? The important thing is to put it in the back of the net.”

PSG, who could welcome back Angel di Maria from injury and Marco Verratti from suspension, have swept all before them this season and six wins from six have given them a three-point lead in Ligue 1.

But Emery is not underestimating a Montpellier side who beat them handily in the fixture last season.

He said: “We want to continue on this winning run. It will be a tough match. Last season, we lost 3-0 there. They are very competitive. They play hard, with a lot of discipline, and they can cause us a lot of problems.”

Source: By PA Sport Staff