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PSG

Mbappé, Cavani provide PSG boss Tuchel with striking headache

The two forwards were both injured during the win over Toulouse and will not be back for three to four weeks, leaving the PSG boss with a Neymar-shaped issue.

Update:
Mbappé, Cavani provide PSG boss Tuchel with striking headache
Stephane MaheREUTERS

Thomas Tuchel is facing an early season injury crisis up front with both Kylian Mbappé and Edinson Cavani limping out of the 4-0 Ligue 1 victory over Toulouse on Sunday – a game that Neymar missed while he remains out of the team until the transfer window closes.

Mbappé is expected to be out for a month after suffering a hamstring injury and on Monday PSG issued a statement on Cavani, stating that the Uruguay striker faces at least three weeks on the sidelines with a hip problem that forced him off during the first half.

While Neymar remains waiting in the wings for a return to action, having recovered from his own foot and ankle injuries, Tuchel has said that the Brazilian will not be included in the starting XI while question marks over his future persist. The Brazilian seems intent on forcing a move away from the Parc des Princes before the window closes on 2 September with Real Madrid, Juventus and his former club Barcelona all involved in the tussle from his services.

Weah to go as PSG lament lack of forwards

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In the meantime, Tuchel has a shortage of firepower available for Ligue 1 games against Metz (A), Strasbourg (H), Lyon (A) and Stade Reims (H), which is the earliest either Mbappé or Cavani are expected to be fit to return. It is also uncertain if the forwards will have recovered in time for the trip to Girondins.

There is also the Champions League to consider, with the first group stage games taking place on September 17 and 18.

PSG have not signed a centre-forward during the summer and let Timothy “son of” Weah move to Lille for a fee of €10m. It remains to be seen if Neymar will be welcomed back into the fold before September, or if Tuchel will sanction an emergency move for a cheap back-up before the window closes or place his faith in Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who as it stands is PSG's only senior striker and helped himself to a brace against Toulouse.