PSG's Verratti, Pastore won't start against Chelsea - Blanc
ByReuters
Updated 13/02/2016 at 20:22 GMT
Marco Verratti and Javier Pastore are not fit enough to start for Paris St Germain against Chelsea in their Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes, coach Laurent Blanc said on Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain's Italian midfielder Marco Verratti controls controls the ball during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Lille (LOSC) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on February 13, 2016.
Image credit: AFP
The Italian midfielder replaced the Argentine playmaker at halftime in PSG's 0-0 home draw against Lille in Ligue 1 but Blanc said he would not take any chances against Chelsea.
Verratti was back in the squad after a two-week layoff due to a groin injury while Pastore made his return this week in a French Cup game after being sidelined for a month because of a calf injury.
"Just like Pastore, I don't think he (Verratti) can start against Chelsea," Blanc told a news conference.
"It's too risky. Everything goes faster in a Champions League game. If you play, you risk to get injured again."
Blanc is likely to field Adrien Rabiot in midfield against the Premier League champions alongside Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Motta.
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