After the rigours of FIFA World Cup qualifiers for their respective national teams in South America, football superstar Lionel Messi and Neymar will be available for selection as Paris Saint-Germain resume their quest for the elusive UEFA Champions League title on Thursday with a visit to Belgium. (More Football News)
PSG's Group A clash against Club Brugge will mostly feature both Messi and Neymar for the same side since 2017. The former Barcelona superstars are yet to play together for the French sides. Neymar made way for Messi when the Argentine took his Ligue 1 debut at Reims in August.
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Both Messi and Neymar have been named in the playing XI at Jan Breydel Stadium, Sint-Andries in Bruges. This is also the first time both are featuring for the same side since 2017. The last time they did was in Barcelona colours.
"They came back to Paris on Friday night and trained today. I'm happy because even if they're tired, they don't have any physical problem," Pochettino said after PSG's 4-0 win against Clermont Foot at home on Saturday.
But the star-cast will not limit to Messi and Neymar. In the pair's absence, Kylian Mbappe led PSG's attack as they registered their fifth successive win in Ligue 1. And the French star will be eager to make his presence felt in the continental tournament, once again.
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For Philippe Clement and his boys, it will be a Herculean task to contain the French powerhouse. Also, history is against the Belgian side. The last time Club Brugge hosted PSG, they suffered a 0-5 thrashing last season.
In another Group A match, English champions Manchester City host Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig. Both the matches start same time.
Head-to-head
This will be their third meeting after last season's group stage meetings. PSG lead 2-0.
Playing XIs
PSG: Keylor Navas; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Amad Diallo; Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes, Georginio Wijnaldum; Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar
Club Brugge: Simon Mignolet; Clinton Mata, Brandon Mechele, Stanley NSoki, Eduard Sobol; Ruud Vormer, Mats Rits, Hans Vanaken; Kamal Sowah, Charles De Ketelaere, Noa Lang
Match and telecast details
Match: UEFA Champions League 2021-22, Group A match between Club Brugge and Paris Saint-Germain
Date: September 16 (Thursday), 2021
Time: 12:20 AM IST
Venue: Jan Breydel Stadium, Sint-Andries, Bruges
TV Channels: Sony Ten 3/HD
Live Streaming: SonyLIV
Manchester City vs RB Leipzig match at Etihad Stdium will be telecast on Sony Ten 1/HD. Live streaming will be available on SonyLIV.
Check this space for team news.
