Neymar could play his first game for Paris Saint-Germain since November when they face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
It is a clash that will be keenly watched by football enthusiasts worldwide. What is likely to add that extra bit of drama is Brazilian striker Neymar's comeback for his first game for Paris Saint-Germain since November when they face Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
On the eve of the much anticipated high-octane tie, the French giant saw the 30-year-old return to training and expected to play tonight after suffering an ankle injury in a Ligue 1 game against Saint-Etienne on November 28.
"He is fine, and he is full of confidence. Even if he hasn't played a game, he will give 100 per cent if he does come on, but the coach will decide if he is on the bench or if he plays," said PSG captain Marquinhos ahead of the clash.
Press conference ahead of Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Madrid 🔴🔵https://t.co/CLsZAeCdxR
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English)PSG will, however, miss the services of legendary defender Sergio Ramos who is suffering from a calf injury.
Paris coach Mauricio Pochettino is reeling under the pressure to deliver heading into the tie. However, an exit in the first knockout round of Europe's elite competition is unthinkable for the club that signed the legendary striker Lionel Messi at the start of the season and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe's sublime form.
"Given the players involved, this could have been the final," pointed out PSG boss, whose side lost in the semi-finals last season to Manchester City.
The Qatar-owned club lost the 2020 Champions League final to Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich, but before that had gone out in the last 16 in three straight seasons.
"PSG has been trying to win this trophy for 50 years, so we are the challengers," said Pochettino, whose team has struggled to convince fans this season despite sitting 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 table.
"The team we are coming up against are the ones who are used to winning the Champions League," added the PSG boss.
Fans of PSG will be hoping for a big performance from Messi, who has scored five of his seven goals so far this season in the Champions League. The Argentine also holds the record for most goals scored in the 'Clasico', having netted 26 times against Real Madrid while at Barcelona.
But the return of Brazil international Neymar has amplified fans' excitement ahead of the crucial tie. PSG supporters took to Twitter to express their joy over the striker's return, with some suggesting not to write Neymar and Messi off just yet.
I am 100% sure Neymar and Messi will run it back against Real Madrid.
Never write them off. pic.twitter.com/5jDTGpLlFk
IT IS CONFIRMED, NEYMAR WILL RETURN TO ACTION AGAINST REAL MADRID!! pic.twitter.com/mB4PYQK2l4
— 🦅 (@Ani7ii)Lionel Messi, Mbappe and Neymar today in training 💪 pic.twitter.com/5bEM75mJtv
— Team Leo (@TeamLeo10i)ATENÇÃO: NEYMAR ESTÁ COM TESÃO DE JOGO, AMANHÃ ELE VAI COM TUDO CONTRA O REAL.
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK https://t.co/6a2pubweoX
😀 Look who's back!
Neymar steps up his recovery 💪
📸: pic.twitter.com/oIfU0g1tFK
🇧🇷 Neymar steps up his recovery...
Back with a bang? ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/rHphTM2MBK
Neymar in today's PSG training. All set for tomorrow 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tNOmwC56bd
— Everything Neymar (@EverythingNJR1O)My PREDICTIONS FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 🏆
REAL MADRID 0-3 PSG
Real Madrid are first in the league but honestly there football hasn’t convince me a lot and I feel like this psg team is going to be highly motivated and we are going to see a good Messi with Neymar/MBAPPE.
Sou Paris até o fim, vamos Neymar 🥳💪🏽
— 🤴🏽da jogada (@021_Alyssin)