Paris (AFP)

Back to school time for Neymar and Kylian Mbappé? Against Saint-Etienne, "we will give playing time to the guys who did not play" on Sunday, announced Parisian coach Thomas Tuchel, condemned to turnover on Wednesday in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

Despite their respective double against fans of Linas-Montlhéry (6-0) in the Coupe de France, Edinson Cavani and Pablo Sarabia risk finding the bench Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes to make room for the undisputed stars of PSG.

"We can't forget what Mauro (Icardi), Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Kylian (Mbappé) did for several matches. It's an opportunity for them to start together", against an opponent beaten 4-0 in championship barely a month ago, said Tuchel.

Before moving to Dortmund in the Champions League on February 18, Paris must get out of its marathon of 12 potential matches in six weeks without a hitch, with three goals in mind: to remain in all competitions, to give rhythm to its " Fantastic Four "... while avoiding the injuries that have tarnished his start to the season.

Last year, the premature elimination at the same stage against Guingamp and the relapse of Neymar had mortgaged the rest of the season: farewell to the hexagonal Grand Slam and dreams of European coronation.

- Mbappé, 2020 on all fronts -

What to do to never relive such an experience?

"We talk to the doctors every day. We check, we do tests for recovery. We do everything we can, but at times we also have to be a bit lucky," says Tuchel. "The players must be super professional in privacy, you can't control everything. It's a mix. "

In this field, Mbappé, 21, gives himself the means of his immense ambitions, all the more so since 2020 presents itself as a pivotal year in his already prolific young career.

After a splendid 2019 vintage in terms of individual statistics (44 goals scored, all competitions combined), but frustrating in terms of trophies (Ligue 1 and Champions Trophy), "KM" has the opportunity to win the prestigious titles which missing: Champions League, Euro, Olympic gold medal ... and Ballon d'Or!

If the extension of his contract beyond 2022 appears to be one of the major projects to come for sports director Leonardo, the French world champion knows that he has changed dimension since his arrival in 2017.

Recruited by the capital's club for 180 million euros, Mbappé would now be worth 265.2 million, according to an estimate by the International Center for the Study of Sport (CIES) in Neuchâtel (Switzerland).

- Rico, useful lining -

Neymar, still in the sights of FC Barcelona, ​​Cavani, retained despite the insistent approaches of Atlético Madrid, or Thiago Silva, free at the end of the season, will be the other thorny cases to manage for the Parisian sports director.

Unlike Sergio Rico, on loan from Seville FC until the end of the season, who already seems to be unanimous in his role as back-up for the post of goalkeeper. Decisive against Linas-Montlhéry by stopping a penalty, the 26-year-old Spaniard will hold for a second consecutive game.

"It's true, I would love to stay here. PSG is one of the best clubs in the world and I would love to stay there," he said on Sunday.

"It is not only my decision, but we are very happy with him," replied Tuchel. "He's a reliable and very positive guy in the locker room. It's the challenge for him to continue like this," added the coach, delighted to finally be able to rely on a clear hierarchy as goalkeeper.

"It's more comfortable, it gives a good feeling for the staff and for the team. I really feel that it's good for everyone, still appreciates the German. We have Keylor (Navas) like N.1, he's a super reliable guy with great experience. He gives a lot for our team. That's exactly what we want. "

© 2020 AFP