Mbappe and Messi are healthy, Bayern: 'We are delighted'

It was a poker game and Bayern Munich didn’t believed Christian Galtier’s poker face: The Bavarians expect both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on the field tonight at Le Parc des Princes in the first leg of the Champions League knockout round. And if you believe the sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, they are pleased that PSG will be in full force. When Mbappe was injured against Montpellier, initial prognoses were that he will miss this game. When Messi was injured against Monaco, his appearance tonight was in question. But strange enough, they both appeared in PSG’s training and did all the works.

PSG and Chelsea, be aware: Bayern and Borussia are in form

So, Julian Nagelsmann was right when he said he is not so sure that Mbappe will miss this game, and Salihamidzic was pleased with the news from Paris. 

“I’m delighted, mainly for the spectators, if all the big stars are there and can compete at the highest level. Everyone knows what kind of stars they are, they are incredible players. Messi is a world champion, he has shaped the world of football for 15 years. But we would do well to focus on ourselves. It's important that we have a top line-up and that we perform well. I have great confidence in our team. These are the games where you can show what you are capable of. We have respect, but not fear. The chances are 50 /50. For the coach, for the players, for the club, the match is very important for all of us" said Brazzo.

Unlike Bayern, who also had shaky performances, but at least won in those matches, PSG lost to bitter rivals Marseille in the Cup and then lost 4-1 to Monaco in League 1. Winning the league is not the problem for the Parisians anymore, but another year without a Champions League trophy is. And many coaches have been sacked because of that, but Galtier is not thinking about his position at the moment.

“There is always pressure when you are a PSG coach, even more so in the Champions League. I don't think about my future at all, let go of the Parisian coach. I am determined and in action. It's a difficult situation. It's part of a season. I make sure to find the best possible organization and associations. I put aside everything that can be said about me" said Galtier.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Round of 16 - first leg

Tuesday

23.00: (2.55) Milan (3.30) Tottenham (3.00)

23.00: (2.80) PSG (3.50) Bayern (2.60)

Wednesday

23.00: (4.50) Club Brugge (3.60) Benfica (1.90)

23.00: (2.60) Dortmund (3.35) Chelsea (2.90)

Tuesday, 21 February

23.00: (2.25) Liverpool (3.40) Real Madrid (3.20)

23.00: (3.05) Eintr.Frankfurt (3.35) Napoli (2.35)

Wednesday, 22 February

23.00: (4.60) RB Leipzig (3.60) Man.City (1.80)

23.00: (1.85) Inter (3.50) Porto (4.40)

***odds are subject to change