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Kylian Mbappe: Luis Enrique says France forward will be fit for Champions League last 16, rejects exit talk

Rob Hemingway

Updated 13/02/2024 at 20:24 GMT

Paris Saint-Germain's quest for a first UEFA Champions League title continues on Wednesday night as Luis Enrique's side take on Real Sociedad in the last 16. Kylian Mbappe looks set to feature having recovered from an ankle complaint, and Enrique rejected a suggestion that it could be the forward's last home game for the club in the revered tournament, should they be knocked out.

'We all benefit' - Enrique confirms Mbappe's availability for PSG last-16 tie

Kylian Mbappe will be fit to feature for Paris Saint-Germain in their UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg tie against Real Sociedad, says Luis Enrique, as the PSG boss quelled suggestions the France forward will have played his last home game in the competition for the club if they exit to their Spanish opponents.
Mbappe has been the subject of fervent transfer speculation in recent days as his contract with the Parisian club ticks down, with the 25-year-old said to have decided to join Real Madrid.
For now though there are more immediate matters on the horizon, with PSG looking - once again - to try and win an elusive first Champions League title, and they will be able to count on the services of their superstar forward, who has recovered from an injured ankle.
Speaking ahead of the first-leg encounter at the Parc des Princes, Enrique said: "I think that when a team has a player of Kylian Mbappe's calibre, the only thing you have to understand is that the more he plays, the better it is for everyone.
"We all benefit, that's our goal, there's no doubt about that.
"He could have played four days ago if it had been a final, but since that wasn't the case I don't think the risk was worth it.
"So he's available and he's been training like the rest of the players and he's available to the coach."
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Real Madrid will be 'a massive monster' if Mbappe joins from PSG - Laurens

Responding to whether Wednesday night could represent Mbappe's last home game in the Champions League, Enrique said: “No. That is not how I feel about it.”
Enrique's Spanish compatriot Fabian Ruiz was also up in front of the press on the eve of the encounter in Paris, and he was toeing the party line when quizzed about team-mate Mbappe.
"We're really focused on tomorrow's game," Ruiz said.
"Kylian's future will be decided by him, not by any of us. We're not talking about that. We're just talking about football.
"And, right now, the only topic we're discussing in the dressing room is tomorrow's game."
You can watch Paris Saint-Germain v Real Sociedad in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, 14 February, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, with kick-off at 20:00 UK time.
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