Kylian Mbappe a DOUBT for PSG's tie at Manchester City due to a calf problem

Kylian Mbappe a DOUBT for PSG’s must-win Champions League semi-final second-leg at Manchester City with forward ruled out of their Ligue 1 clash against Lens due to a calf problem – as boss Mauricio Pochettino hopes star ‘will be back with us soon’

Paris Saint-Germain’s preparations for next week’s do-or-die Champions League semi-final second-leg clash at Manchester City have been disrupted by fitness concerns over star Kylian Mbappe.

The French giants trail 2-1 in the first leg after losing on home soil – despite leading 1-0 at half-time.

Before the return fixture at the Etihad, PSG face Lens on Saturday in Ligue 1 but will do so without Mbappe who has been ruled out with a calf problem.

Kylian Mbappe is a doubt for Paris Saint-Germain's clash at Manchester City due a to calf issue

Kylian Mbappe is a doubt for Paris Saint-Germain’s clash at Manchester City due a to calf issue

According to reports in France, the French World Cup-winning forward feels pain in his right leg and PSG have erred on the side of caution with Tuesday’s fixture at City of greater importance.

Speaking at his pre-game press conference for the Lens encounter, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino said: ‘Kylian Mbappe has discomfort in the right calf.

‘We hope it does not matter and that he will be back with us soon.

News of Mbappe’s injury will be a major blow to Pochettino’s plans as they try to overcome a steep obstacle against City. The 20-year-old’s is the club’s top goalscorer this season with 33 in all competitions.

PSG know a 2-0 win will see them reach their second-successive Champions League final but the likelihood of shutting City out appears slim after their swashbuckling display in the French capital on Wednesday.

Mbappe himself failed to impress against Pep Guardiola’s side in midweek. Such was his tepid display that French publication L’Equipe gave him a match-low score of 3/10 as he failed to register a single shot.

It was the first Champions League match Mbappe has started in his young career that this has happened to him.

source: dailymail.co.uk