PSG travel to Old Trafford this week in order to take on Man United in the Champions League Round of 16.
And Thomas Tuchel is one nervous manager.
Last month, Neymar was ruled out for both the legs due to a foot injury and then last week, Marco Verratti picked up an injury which could rule him out of the UCL tie.
And now PSG have been dealt with a fresh blow as reports have confirmed that Edison Cavani will miss the tie due to an injury.
Cavani picked up the injury during PSG’s 1-0 win over Bordeaux this weekend and the Uruguayan did not come back on for the second half of the match.
So with potentially three players out of the picture many pundits are wondering as to what the PSG boss’ tactic will be when they take on Man United.
Speaking before the tie, Thomas Tuchel has claimed that he just might have to use a totally different game plan with so many first-team regulars out of the picture.
“There are lots of plan Bs now. Without Ney [Neymar], maybe without Marco, maybe without Edi [Cavani], now we need a plan D,” the PSG manager said.
“I can’t think about so many different plans in advance. We have to analyse Manchester United, we have to stay calm and confident.
“Normally, my opinion is definitely clear: for a game against Manchester United, for a game against Liverpool or even against Red Star Belgrade, you need your key players with confidence, experience, quality, who are used to playing that kind of game, are used to playing big games full of pressure, who are used to managing the pressure.
“But, if two or three key players are not here, it’s our duty to find solutions. It’s very difficult if we play with our best team, it’s a big challenge.
“If we are missing lots of key players, it’s an even bigger challenge, but we will be ready on Tuesday, I think.”
The absence of Neymar and Cavani is certainly a huge blow for PSG as two-thirds of Tuchel’s firepower is out of the picture.
And now if Marco Verratti cannot make himself fit in time then the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic might just get a free role in the midfield area.
Read: Will these ‘two’ Man United players get to play in the first XI anymore?
Read: Here’s how Man United could line up vs PSG.
Read: ‘These’ two factors could help Man United pick up a win vs PSG in the Champions League.
