Mbappe was forced during the Coupe de France’s final win against Saint-Etienne last Friday with an ankle sprain, leaving the club sweating over his availability for their upcoming quarter-finals.
Arsene Wenger has backed Mbappe
Arsene Wenger supported Kylian Mbappe to be fit for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Atalanta. Mbappe was forced during the Coupe de France’s final win against Saint-Etienne last Friday with an ankle sprain, leaving the club sweating over his availability for their upcoming quarter-finals. Thomas Tuchel’s side will host Atalanta on August 12 in a straight knockout tie in Lisbon. With the original two-legged format set aside in favor of a revised neutral tournament amid the coronavirus crisis. PSG are among the favorites to win this year’s competition after a favorable draw. With semi-finals against RB Leipzig or Atlético Madrid waiting to see if they can overcome the Italian opposition Portugal.
Kylian is a key player for PSG
Mbappe has scored 30 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 champions this season. Still, Tuchel admitted that it would be “a miracle” if the vital performer recovered in time to face Atalanta. However, PSG midfielder Ander Herrera is more optimistic about his teammate’s chances to prove himself. As he told reporters following his victory in the penalty shoot-out over Saint-Etienne: “Kylian is important for us. So I’m sure he will try to play”. Wenger echoed Herrera’s comments, expressing confidence that the World Cup winner will do whatever it takes to make sure he returns to the top physical condition. “I think he will play, and I think he is also convinced of that,” the legendary former Arsenal manager said. “Something tells me that I am used to watching top athletes when they are seriously injured.
“I think there is a form of confidence, watching it well. I’m pretty sure Mbappe will play against Atalanta. Mbappe, I believe in him tremendously”. PSG saw off Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 to reach the final eight, beating the German giants 3-2 on aggregate before the Covid-19 crisis stopped play in March. Neymar has scored decisive goals in both legs and is expected to step up to the plate again if Mbappe fails to lead the line. Meanwhile, Atalanta beat Valencia 8-4 on aggregate in a thrilling first knockout meeting. To set up a meeting with PSG before heading off to earn a third-place finish in Serie A.