Paris (AFP)

Paris international SG Marco Verratti and Mauro Icardi, not sufficiently recovered from their injuries, are exempt from the trip to Monaco on Friday in Ligue 1, where Neymar could "play a few minutes", coach Thomas Tuchel explained Thursday.

The Italian midfielder "whose risk of recurrence of his quadriceps injury is still high, must continue its recovery work with the team," the club added in a statement.

The Argentine center forward, hit to a knee in October and who has resumed collective training, must for his part continue his fitness.

The two executives could sign their return against Leipzig on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes in the Champions League, for a crucial match in view of the qualification for the round of 16.

"They might be available against Leipzig. If they are there it would be great, but what can we expect from them? They would only play their first game," said the German technician. .

Expected against the Germans, the Brazilian superstar Neymar resumed collective training on Thursday, said PSG.

The N.10, injured in the C1 match against Basaksehir Istanbul at the end of October (2-0), was called up with the Brazilian team during the international window.

But the management of the "Seleçao" finally released him, his groin injury not allowing him to play.

"We can accelerate (his recovery) today (Thursday). I have confidence that he will play a few minutes in Monaco," said Tuchel.

His friend Kylian Mbappé, injured in a thigh before the truce but who has resumed with the Blues, will be on the move on the Rock.

Ditto for striker Moise Kean, victim of a knee contusion against Rennes on November 7, according to Tuchel.

In addition to Verratti and Icardi, Julian Draxler, Idrissa Gueye (thigh) and Thilo Kehrer (pubalgie) forfeited, as Juan Bernat, long-injured, said the club.

Thomas Tuchel could spare several internationals who made long trips during the break, such as Brazilian Marquinhos and Argentines Leandro Paredes and Angel di Maria, so that they are "as fresh as possible" against Leipzig.

"We have to be careful, and manage the minutes intelligently," said the coach.

© 2020 AFP