Kimpembe set for long-awaited PSG return in Coupe de France tie

Luis Enrique said that defender Presnel Kimpembe could make his long-awaited Paris Saint-Germain return in the club’s Coupe de France game against FC Espaly.

Kimpembe last featured for PSG in a 3-0 league win over Marseille in February 2023 after rupturing his Achilles tendon, but returned to training last month.

The 29-year-old had become a crucial part of the Parisiens defence under Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, though his absence has not hindered his side.

Speaking ahead of their meeting with fifth-tier side FC Espaly on Wednesday, Luis Enrique said that the tie was the perfect chance to ease Kimpembe back into the team.

“Tomorrow is an ideal match for us to see certain players,” Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of the round of 32 game.

“After speaking to Presnel to see if he feels ready, he feels much better. He has been able to train with the team. I can see in training that he is able to help the team.”

But the PSG boss remained coy on his team selection and whether players reportedly looking for moves away from the Parc des Princes would come to fruition.

Milan Skriniar and Randal Kolo Muani have both been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa potential destinations for both.

“We will release the squad list tomorrow morning. I would like my players to get that information first before all of you,” he said. “We will see tomorrow if they are in the squad or not.”

Energized & ready for what’s next!

@nikefootball pic.twitter.com/u6Fa5omJ5t

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 14, 2025

PSG are expected to win at the Stade Marcel-Michelin, while they also maintained their seven point gap at the Ligue 1 summit with a win over Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

But their struggles this season have come in the Champions League, sitting 25th in the new 36-team standings with just two games of the league phase remaining.

Luis Enrique’s side face Manchester City and Stuttgart in those fixtures in the competition, knowing six points is a must if they are to advance to the knockout stages.

The last time they failed to go beyond the first phase of the Champions League was back in 2004-05, and Luis Enrique said those games would take precedence.

“Now we have the Champions League games coming up, we want to be in the best possible condition,” Luis Enrique said.

“Of course, there will be rotation throughout these games to give all players the time that we believe is appropriate.”

But the PSG boss acknowledged the difficulty of the task FC Espaly will pose to his superstar squad, suggesting they will need to be at their best to advance.

“We are playing a different team and as always at PSG we will give our all,” Luis Enrique said.

“This tie gives us another opportunity to show that when you play for PSG there are no friendly matches or matches when you can take your foot off the gas.”