Paris (AFP)

Thiago Silva's package, Mauro Icardi in poor shape ... Paris SG coach Thomas Tuchel has two weeks to rethink his typical team in preparation for the second European round against Dortmund. First test scheduled for Saturday against Dijon in Ligue 1 (5.30 p.m.), without Neymar, suspended.

- When Marquinhos becomes a defender -

Thiago Silva's injury to the right thigh, which keeps him away from the field for at least three weeks, has shaken one of the certainties of the German technician. While he has made Marquinhos a key element of his environment, he might be tempted to replace him in central defense, his training position.

"It is a possibility," Tuchel said Friday at a press conference. "I really like when he plays in the midfield, (but) in my opinion he has the ability to help and play on the field."

Indeed, against the young Abdou Diallo and Tanguy Kouassi, the Brazilian presents the best CV to contain Borussia during the 8th final return of the Champions League scheduled for March 11. It remains to be seen how he will be able to readjust alongside Presnel Kimpembe in the hinge.

His last tenure in this role in Ligue 1 had not been reassuring, against Monaco (3-3) in January. "To be the best defender in the world, you must above all play at your job to continue to have benchmarks," explained AFP "Marqui" last November.

He will only have two matches to refine his benchmarks with "Presko", since he is suspended for the semi-final of the Coupe de France in Lyon on Wednesday.

- Paredes, back with a fanfare? -

Absent from the group which lost in Germany (2-1), Leandro Paredes could make a resounding return. The suspension of Marco Verratti, the package of Ander Herrera (quadriceps) and the repositioning of Marquinhos in defense designate him as the most likely option to support Idrissa Gueye in the middle against the BVB.

His sidelining for the first leg surprised, especially since the Argentinian had just completed a full month of January which saw him wear the captain's armband in the Coupe de France, and score his first Parisian goal . "Sports choice", justified Tuchel.

His recovery in legs will be scrutinized. "Leo" presents a different profile, less rake than Verratti but just as capable of beautiful openings. "I can bring my character, he explained at the beginning of February. I feel much more comfortable this season compared to last year, this is reflected on the field."

Paredes is still waiting for its benchmark match which will allow it to quit its replacement status. Dortmund could be his chance.

- Icardi or Cavani, the race is on -

If Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Angel Di Maria are indisputable, a last place is in play in attack, provided that Tuchel opts for a 4-4-2, and not for the experimental 3-4-3 adopted in the outward leg. Between Mauro Icardi and Edinson Cavani, both replacements in the Rühr, the sprint is launched.

"It's always the same question," sighed Tuchel on Friday. "Both have the same defensive influence for the team. Between the two is more a feeling" that dictates the choices of the German, he assured in a press conference.

For the moment, advantage to the Uruguayan, preferred against Bordeaux (4-3) last Sunday. "Edi" took the opportunity to register his 200th goal in the colors of PSG and strengthened his status as "darling" of the Park despite his wishes to start in January.

But the Argentinian has better statistics for him this season (19 goals against 7), even if he dropped his foot after a great start.

"It's good competition between us. It's part of football, I have a good relationship with Mauro. I have said many times that the important thing is the team. The decision is the coach who takes it, "said Cavani. Tuchel to decide, with Dortmund in the crosshairs.

© 2020 AFP