Is it a problem or a blessing? Neymar is out of PSG's showdown with Bayern

Watching Paris Saint-Germain with and without their expensive star Neymar inevitably leads to the question of whether the Parisians actually need the former Barcelona man.

The way Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and their teammates destroyed Olympique Marseille last weekend, they look so much more dangerous without the Brazilian having to touch every ball in every attack. Somehow, Ney is more of a burden to the team which already has so much quality in it.

Anyway, Neymar is expected to miss the second leg of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League last-16 tie with Bayern Munich as a result of his ankle injury, head coach Christophe Galtier has revealed. Neymar was taken off on a stretcher during PSG's thrilling 4-3 win against Lille on February 19, with scans revealing he had suffered ankle ligament damage.

The Brazil international's injury immediately threw his participation against Bayern into doubt, with PSG needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit after losing the first leg at the Parc des Princes – a game that saw Mbappe reduced to the role of substitute through injury.

PSG's fears were confirmed as Galtier previewed Saturday's Ligue 1 meeting with Nantes.

"In the next two games, we won't have Neymar available. I think he will miss out against Bayern Munich."

Meanwhile, a medical update issued by the club said Neymar was continuing his rehabilitation and would be reassessed on Monday – two days before PSG's trip to Germany.

Having exchanged assists for all three goals at Stade Velodrome, Messi and Mbappe have now combined for ten goals in Ligue 1 this season, which is the most in the division and four more than Neymar and Mbappe. However, Galtier dismissed suggestions PSG were a more balanced side with Neymar sidelined. Well, he wouldn't say otherwise publicly, would he?

"Our block is much more compact, denser. With the absence of Neymar, instead of having two midfielders, we will be with three midfielders and two attackers. To tell you that Neymar's absence is irrelevant is wrong. It's a big problem for us."

While Wednesday's trip to Bayern is considered make-or-break for PSG's season, Galtier knows Nantes – who have won two of their last four league games against the Parisians – will provide a stern test.

"The most important game is the one that's coming. Suspensions and injuries weaken our squad, we have to make our way in the league. I hope the players don't have the game against Bayern on Wednesday in the corner of their heads. It's important to have a third consecutive victory in the league."

LIGUE 1

Round 26

Friday

23:00: (1.65) Nice (3.80) Auxerre (6.25)

Saturday

19:00: (2.45) Lens (3.30) Lille (3.15)

23:00: (1.35) PSG (5.50) Nantes (9.50)

Sunday

15:00: (6.50) Troyes (4.30) Monaco (1.50)

17:00: (1.90) Montpellier (3.60) Angers (4.50)

17:00: (1.65) Reims (3.70) Ajaccio (6.75)

17:00: (2.10) Strasbourg (3.40) Brest (3.90)

17:00: (1.85) Toulouse (3.70) Clermont (4.60)

19:05: (1.55) Olympique Lyon (4.30) Lorient (6.75)

22:45: (2.95) Rennes (3.40) Olympique Marseille (2.55)

***odds are subject to change***