Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique has cast doubt over the availability of midfield metronome Vitinha for the Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese midfielder will miss PSG’s Ligue 1 fixture against Nantes on Wednesday due to a heel inflammation, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of next Tuesday’s first-leg encounter at the Parc des Princes.
“We’ll take a calm and measured approach to see how the injured players can make a comeback. But I don’t know,” Luis Enrique said when asked about Vitinha’s chances of returning in time.
“We need to manage Vitinha’s minor injury; some players are a bit tired or have a few niggles,” he added.
Should the 26-year-old fail to recover, Fabian Ruiz could step in to fill the void in midfield. Ruiz recently returned from a knee injury, featuring for the final 18 minutes in PSG’s 2-1 loss to Lyon.
However, Luis Enrique urged caution over the Spaniard’s readiness, noting that he still needs time to regain full fitness after three months out.
“Fabian Ruiz needs more matches and minutes to recover,” he said, while expressing satisfaction with the midfielder’s gradual return.
Despite PSG’s push to replicate last season’s domestic and European success, the Spanish coach maintained that he expects more from his squad.
“Every minute you get to play for PSG must be special,” he said, while explaining the omission of young forward Ibrahim Mbaye from the squad against Lyon.
A win over Nantes would move PSG three points clear of title rivals Lens with five matches remaining in the Ligue 1 season.
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