Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has been told that he is “lucky” that Neymar has picked up an injury and been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Neymar picked up an ankle injury during PSG’s 4-3 win over Lille at the Parc des Princes last month, with the Brazilian winger carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
PSG confirmed that Neymar would require surgery on his ankle injury and the Brazil international could need three to four months out before he can return to training.
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“Neymar Jr has sustained a number of instances of instability in his right ankle in recent years,” PSG said in a statement.
“The Paris Saint-Germain medical staff recommended a ligament repair operation to avoid a major risk of recurrence. All the experts consulted have confirmed this necessity.”
Neymar’s absence could prove to be a major blow for PSG boss Galtier ahead of the French side’s second-leg last-16 Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
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However, 1998 World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry has claimed PSG are a “more balanced” team without the 31-year-old former Barcelona star in the starting XI.
“It’s an incredible chance for Christophe Galtier because in any case he should have had the courage, at one time or another, to release Neymar,” he told RMC Sport.
“It was the only solution. I think this team is much more balanced with five behind and two up front. It’s lucky for Christophe Galtier that Neymar is injured.”
Galtier has echoed Dugarry’s sentiments that PSG are much better balanced without Neymar in the starting XI, despite admitting his loss is “clearly” a big blow for them.
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Speaking ahead of PSG’s trip to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, he said: “I see there has been a debate around this. It’s a loss, clearly. Is the team more balanced? Yes.
“Is it better like this? I will say that having him is better to score goals.”
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Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar, Ligue 1, Football, France
Adnan Riaz