Unexpected Digne omission forces PSG to rethink left-back plan for Monaco

Paris Saint-Germain have left Lucas Digne out of their squad for Friday evening’s Ligue 1 meeting with Monaco, despite the defender taking part in the team’s full training session on Thursday.

Digne had been strongly tipped to start at left-back in the third-round fixture, particularly because Nuno Mendes is unavailable through suspension. Mendes was sent off during the Trophee des Champions, ruling him out of the Monaco match and appearing to create an opportunity for Digne to return to the starting line-up.

However, Luis Enrique has now decided not to include Digne in the travelling squad. The unexpected omission leaves the Paris Saint-Germain manager needing to find another solution for the left side of his defence against Monaco.

The decision is a notable one because Digne’s participation in Thursday’s collective training had suggested that he was ready to play. His absence means the Spanish coach must adjust his plans before the match, which is scheduled for Friday evening in the third round of the French top flight.

Paris Saint-Germain’s squad includes three goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Matvey Safonov and Arthur Feneu.

The defensive options selected by Enrique are Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos, Illia Zabarnyi, Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho. With Digne and Mendes both unavailable, none of the named defenders is a direct like-for-like replacement for the usual left-back pairing, increasing the focus on how Enrique will organise his back line.

The midfield group consists of Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu, Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves and Dro Fernandez.

In attack, Paris Saint-Germain have named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ferran Torres, Ousmane Dembele, Maghnes Akliouche, Desire Doue and Mica Godts.

The squad announcement was published by Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the match, which is due to begin at 21:05. Monaco will provide a significant test for the reigning French champions, while Enrique’s tactical response to the shortage at left-back will be one of the main points of interest before kick-off.

Digne’s exclusion also removes what had appeared to be the most straightforward answer to Mendes’ suspension. Instead, Enrique must now choose whether to adapt a defender to the position or make a broader tactical change to cover the left flank.

The issue has prompted discussion among supporters, with the subject also available for deeper debate in the Kooora forums.