Ekitike replaces suspended Messi, as Leo's former teammate claims 'PSG will regret it'
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 07.05.23. | 17:12
Javier Mascherano believes this was a very wrong decision from the Parc des Princes outfit ahead of tonight's clash against Troyes
The latest off-pitch controversy at PSG will affect the pitch as well, with Lionel Messi suspended for the next two weeks over an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. With Neymar sidelined until the end of the season due to ankle ligament surgery, that leaves just Kylian Mbappe out of the team's star front three.
In Messi's absence, Hugo Ekitike is expected to line up alongside the France captain. The 20-year-old's first season since joining from Reims has been a bit disappointing.
Meanwhile, after a tumultuous week which saw him suspended by PSG over the Saudi Arabia trip, Messi has received the support of former Barcelona and Argentina teammate Javier Mascherano. The 38-year-old, who called time on his illustrious playing career three years ago, has criticised PSG over their handling of Messi.
"It's a shame to not realise the kind of player they were lucky to have in their team," Mascherano said to D Sports, as reported by L'Equipe. "I think that, ten years ago, no PSG fan could have imagined they would have the best player in history in their team. And instead of appreciating him, they spent two years criticising him.''
The 147-time Argentina international doubled down on his criticism of Les Parisiens.
"In ten years, they will regret it. Any team in the world would give anything to have him for five minutes."
"If there is one thing that cannot be criticised, it is his professionalism", Mascherano said about the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner. "It is impossible to criticise him. Let him go with his family where he is happy."
LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 34
Saturday
Nice - Rennes 2-1 (0-0)
/Laborde 50, Moffi 72 - Bourigeaud 78/
Reims - Lille 1-0 (1-0)
/Muntesi 21/
Lens - Marseille 2-1 (1-0)
/Fofana 42, Openda 60 - Payet 88/
Sunday
SCO Angers - Monaco 1-2 (0-1)
/Sima 64 - Golovin 45, Boadu 60/
Ajaccio - Toulouse IN PROGRESS
Auxerre - Clermont IN PROGRESS
Lorient - Brest IN PROGRESS
Nantes - Strasbourg IN PROGRESS
Monday
18.05: (1.73) Olympique Lyon (3.90) Montpellier (5.50)
21.45: (8.00) Troyes (5.30) PSG (1.39)
***odds are subject to change***
