Marco Veratti doubt for PSG vs Manchester United in Champions League last 16

"I think that it is serious. Really, it is the worst thing that could have happened to us." said PSG head coach Thomas Tuchel

By Zinny Boswell

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is a doubt for next month's Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester United after spraining his ankle.

Verratti will have further tests "early in the week" to "define the length of his absence" after being forced off 13 minutes into PSG's 9-0 thrashing of Guingamp on Saturday.

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PSG head coach Thomas Tuchel, speaking after Saturday's win at the Parc des Princes, suggested Verratti could be out for a long time, with their trip to Old Trafford just three weeks away.

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He said: "I think that it is serious. Really, it is the worst thing that could have happened to us."

Tuchel added: "We have several options in midfield - Marco with Marquinhos, Dani (Alves) with Marco, Dani with Julian (Draxler), or Dani with Marquinhos. However, without Marco, and with Presnel (Kimpembe) still injured, we only have one choice."

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PSG have limited options in midfield and will be hoping Veratti can recover in time for their meeting with United on February 12.

Image: Leandro Paredes has been linked with a move to Chelsea

The French champions are in the hunt for a defensive midfielder, with reports in France suggesting Lassana Diarra is set to terminate his contract at PSG this month.

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Sky Sports News understands PSG are in talks with Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is also a target for Chelsea.

Meanwhile, they are also understood to be keen on Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Adrien Rabiot could offer a potential solution to Tuchel's midfield problems, however, the PSG academy graduate has been banished from the first team after a breakdown in contract talks.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich are keen on signing the midfielder, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and PSG could look to sell Rabiot this month if they want to cash in on the player.

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