Will Kylian Mbappé play for Paris Saint-Germain against Real Sociedad in the Champions League?

Paris Saint-Germain are pinning their Champions League hopes on Kylian Mbappé, who will be desperate to win the competition for the first time before leaving for pastures new this summer (Real Madrid?), as seems inevitable. But as the 2023-24 edition starts back up again, their preparations for the round of 16 tie against Real Sociedad have been hampered by an injury suffered by their star man.

Mbappé an almost ever-present for PSG

Mbappé has played in all but two of PSG’s games this season, scoring 30 goals in 29 appearances. He didn’t feature in their opening Ligue 1 fixture against Lorient after a dispute with club bosses, which has since been semi-resolved. He then started every match but one up until Saturday’s home win over Lille, which he was named a substitute for but didn’t ultimately play in.

Luis Enrique offers Mbappé injury update

Three days earlier, the forward was on the receiving end of some rough treatment in the Coupe de France tie over Brest, although he did complete the 90 minutes of the 3-1 victory. A blow to his ankle prevented Mbappé from training before the league game against Lille and head coach Luis Enrique opted not to risk him, even though he was on the bench.

On Tuesday, however, the former Barcelona boss revealed Mbappé had resumed full training and gave the following update: “He could have played four days ago, but it wasn’t worth the risk. Kylian Mbappé is available, just like the other players”.

Mbappé scored three goals in six matches as the French side scraped through the group stage, taking his Champions League career total to 43 in 67 appearances. PSG will be favourites to progress against Real Sociedad but don’t have especially happy memories of the competition, suffering several knockout-round disappointments - and indeed some capitulations - in recent years.