Paris (AFP)

Paris SG announced Friday the absence of its superstar Neymar, who is recovering from an ankle injury, for the reception of Brest on Saturday in Ligue 1, four days before the Champions Trophy against Marseille.

In the direction of the returns, Mauro Icardi, Layvin Kurzawa and Alessandro Florenzi have resumed collective training, and are applying for a place in the group, according to their club.

The Argentine striker, hampered by knee and groin problems since the start of the season, has only played five minutes in the past three months.

For "Ney", hit in the left ankle against Lyon on December 13 (1-0 defeat), the work of recovery continues.

"He resumed the race," said PSG.

His presence on Wednesday at the Champions Trophy, for a while considered, becomes compromised.

French international defender Presnel Kimpembe (hamstring) is also expected to miss the "Clasico".

His return to the group is expected next week.

Also absent against Brest are midfielders Danilo Pereira (hamstrings), Leandro Paredes (hip) and Rafinha (Covid-19), as well as defender Juan Bernat (knee).

But the first two resume collective training on Friday, said PSG, and should therefore return to competition soon.

Second in Ligue 1 before the 19th day, Paris can still win the honorary title of autumn champion, which crowns the team in the lead at the end of the first leg, if it beats the Bretons and that at the same time, Lyon loses in Rennes.

© 2021 AFP