Ligue 1: PSG Look to Maintain Perfect Start Despite Key Absentees Ahead of Montpellier Clash
By BBC News Sport
Paris Saint-Germain will aim to extend their flawless start to the Ligue 1 season as they travel to face Montpellier on Friday. The reigning French champions have opened their campaign with two wins from two, but head coach Laurent Blanc will have to navigate this third fixture without some of his most influential players.
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović and Italian midfielder Marco Verratti have both been ruled out through injury, dealing an early-season blow to PSG’s attacking and midfield options. In addition, Ángel Di María, who recently completed his move from Manchester United, remains sidelined due to a lack of match fitness. The Argentine is expected to make his Ligue 1 debut in the fourth round of fixtures.
Despite the notable absences, PSG retain a wealth of talent and depth in their squad. The team will look to its emerging African or African-born players to step up. Right-back Serge Aurier, French-born defenders Presnel Kimpembe and Youssouf Sabaly are all included in the travelling squad, offering both defensive solidity and versatility.
Goalkeepers Salvatore Sirigu and Kevin Trapp have both been named in the squad, as Blanc continues to rotate between the posts. In defence, alongside Aurier and Kimpembe, the likes of David Luiz, Marquinhos, Maxwell, and captain Thiago Silva are available to form a formidable back line.
The midfield remains strong despite Verratti’s absence, with Blaise Matuidi, Javier Pastore, Adrien Rabiot, Benjamin Stambouli, and veteran Thiago Motta all ready to play a role. Up front, Edinson Cavani is likely to lead the line in Ibrahimović’s absence, supported by Ezequiel Lavezzi, Lucas Moura, and promising youngster Jean-Kévin Augustin.
PSG’s early dominance in the league underlines their intent to secure a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title, and even with a few key names missing, the depth of the squad suggests they remain firm favourites.
PSG Squad to Face Montpellier:
Goalkeepers: Sirigu, Trapp
Defenders: Aurier, David Luiz, Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Maxwell, Sabaly, Thiago Silva
Midfielders: Matuidi, Pastore, Rabiot, Stambouli, Thiago Motta
Forwards: Augustin, Cavani, Lavezzi, Lucas
Kick-off at the Stade de la Mosson is scheduled for Friday evening.
