A small injury outing with much wider consequences. This is what the latest information could look like on Milan Skriniar, possibly package for several months. Hit in the ankle yesterday during PSG’s victory over Toulouse in the Champions Trophy, the Slovak left the field on his own. Certainly, he looked like he had had bad days, but his replacement by Lucas Beraldo, the club’s newest recruit, quickly brought back his smile. Already because the Brazilian (20 years old) showed a radiant face but also because the Parc des Princes welcomed him warmly.
Each touch of the ball was accompanied by an “Olé” from the public. Enough to amuse the person concerned who should dive into the deep end even more quickly than expected. His arrival was scheduled to compensate for the very long absence of Presnel Kimpembe, already out for the rest of the season after having undergone another operation. As the big deadlines approach, starting with the double confrontation against Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the Champions League, which will determine the Parisian season, Luis Enrique must suddenly review his plans. Its central hinge has to be rebuilt again.
The PSG transfer window upset
The Spaniard only has 4 central defenders on hand: Marquinhos, Danilo who plays irregularly (14 matches in all competitions since the start of the season), the new arrival Lucas Beraldo and Lucas Hernandez, who was recruited for evolve in the axis while awaiting the return of Nuno Mendes from injury. Except that the Portuguese quickly relapsed with his hamstring problems and had to observe another 4-month absence following his operation. His return is certainly hoped for for the first leg against Real but it will take usual precautions for this player who is as talented as he is fragile.
Understand that Lucas Hernandez is not willing to quickly take a place in the central hinge, especially since the medical staff is vigilant with him. He was still sidelined for more than six months after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture in November 2022. To spare him, Luis Enrique launched some ideas such as using Nordi Mukiele in all positions of the defense, he ‘usual right side. Proof that the situation is undecided, even the closeted Layvin Kurzawa was entitled to his 8 minutes of play on October 21 against Strasbourg. We haven’t seen him in Parisian colors since August 1, 2021!
Favor a central defender or a left back?
The left back is regularly announced as a candidate for departure this winter, but Skriniar’s injury could once again push PSG leaders to review their plans. We will undoubtedly need a new element in this position but the available or realistic players (Sergio Reguilon for example) are not legion. The Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) rumor that has sometimes appeared on social media seems far-fetched at best. There remains the internal track like recalling Juan Bernat from his complicated loan to Benfica (only 6 appearances since the start of the season). Problem, he’s been injured for two months…
Another solution would be to get a new central defender. The best would then be to favor a loan, with or without a purchase option, to avoid the traffic jam once everyone is back on their feet. This time, competition is the concern. It’s a position that quite a few clubs (Bayern Munich, Real Madrid) want to strengthen this winter. On the other hand, there is plenty of choice with Varane, Lenglet (to remain French) or even Scalvini (Atalanta), even an Araujo (FC Barcelona) but there, you will have to pay the price. After the annoyance around Gabriel Moscardo’s operation undoubtedly forcing a move on a midfielder, the PSG transfer window is not lacking in reminders.
