3 Players who can replace injured Mbappé against Bayern Munich in Champions League
Mbappe injury: Kylian Mbappe was subbed off early in the first half of PSG’s league match against Montpellier in mid-week, raising many questions.
The PSG striker was subbed off in the 21st minute due to a thigh injury which has resulted to be serious than expected.
Mbappe is a vital component of PSG’s attacking unit and his injury has resulted in a three-week absence.
PSG confirm that Kylian Mbappe will be out an estimated three weeks.
He will miss PSG’s UCL match against Bayern Munich 😮 pic.twitter.com/020vhq1l68
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 2, 2023
The striker will miss the 1st leg clash of PSG’s Round of 16 clash vs Bayern Munich to be played later this month.
Neymar will be back for that one after the Brazilian missed the match vs Montpellier due to muscle fatigue.
With that news not pleasing the PSG faithful, we look at three players who can replace the injured Frenchman for this contest.
Hugo Ekitike
The 20-year-old striker has played back-up to the likes of Messi and Mbappe. Ekitike has scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in 14 league matches so far; sharing the responsibility to the fullest.
He could be a vital player to replace Mbappe down the wing despite it not being his favourable position.
📊🥈Avec 3 buts depuis la reprise post Coupe du Monde, Ekitike est le 2e meilleur buteur du PSG sur la période, seul Mbappé fait mieux (6 buts) pic.twitter.com/50PN0k3frA
— Ekitike📈Stats (@Ekitike_stats) January 26, 2023
Instilling confidence and faith in a youngster for an important match of this magnitude could well boost him and we can see an inspired performance.
Galtier has to hold his cards close to his chest for this clash and we could see this one being a first.
Neymar
We have seen Neymar play as part of the three in the 4-3-3 but with Mbappe’s absence, the Brazilian could play as a 2 alongside Messi. This would mean a shift from his number 10 position.
Neymar vs Bayern (HOME)pic.twitter.com/eTSzUAj10D
— Ankit (@_Catalankings_) March 4, 2022
PSG needs to assert dominance in the early stages of the game and with Neymar threatening down the flanks, this could be the chance to begin well.
Vitinha
Also read: 5 players with highest goal contributions across Europe’s top 5 leagues
The Portuguese player is versatile and can play along the flanks coupled with being a central or defensive mid-fielder.
This could reduce the load on Galtier’s shoulders as he can bring the 22-year-old along to be Mbappe’s replacement.
Vitinha is a regular in the PSG line-up but is playing different roles whenever he gets an opportunity.
He has been performing well in the opportunities got and a massive game of this magnitude could see him outplay his potential.
