The imminent return of Nuno Mendes to competition risks reshuffling the cards regarding PSG’s defense.
Since April 30 and his right hamstring injury at the Parc des Princes against Lorient, Nuno Mendes has not played a single match. In July, the Portuguese international relapsed with a “rupture of the conjoined tendon of the right hamstring”.
However, the return to competition of the former Sporting player would be imminent. According to The Team, Luis Enrique even plans to make him a potential starter at the left-back position. Which could have a huge impact on the rest of the Rouge et Bleu defense. Lucas Hernandez should thus switch to the central hinge and therefore take the place of Marquinhos or Skriniar. Concerning the right-back position, despite a satisfactory start to the season, Achraf Hakimi would not be guaranteed to retain an indisputable starting place.
Achraf Hakimi: “If I feel more comfortable with Luis Enrique? I think so. Everyone can see my situation improving, I feel free, well used, with a big role. The coach made me feel free. I feel a lot of confidence! » 🇲🇦🇪🇸
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— Hadrien Grenier (@hadrien_grenier) September 21, 2023
“Internally, some believe that in high-stakes matches in the Champions League, the technician could be tempted, depending on the opposition, to associate the Portuguese with a more defensive profile on the right (Mukiele) and thus maintain his recovery structure current », imagine everyday sports. On October 4, Paris Saint-Germain will travel to Newcastle for the second day of the group stages of the Champions League. Seeing Hakimi start this meeting on the sidelines would therefore be a possibility.
