Sergio Ramos ruled out of PSG v Real Madrid Champions League last-16 clash, Neymar, Karim Benzema doubts
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Updated 14/02/2022 at 20:13 GMT
Paris Saint-Germain will be without defender Sergio Ramos when they take on Real Madrid in the first leg of a blockbuster last-16 Champions League tie this week. The 35-year-old has only played five games for PSG since joining from Real in the summer. There are also injury concerns over Neymar and Real striker Karim Benzema.
'It's like a final' - Pochettino on PSG's clash with Real Madrid
Sergio Ramos will not be available to face former club Real Madrid in the first leg of Paris Saint-Germain’s last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday.
Ramos, 35, has played just five games since joining PSG on a free transfer from Real in the summer due to injuries. His last appearance was when he scored against Reims on January 23.
He has since been out with injury and had another setback last week with a calf issue suffered in training.
A statement on Tuesday from PSG said: “Sergio Ramos will continue his individual training for his calf injury. A new evaluation will be made in a week.”
PSG also have concerns over forward Neymar, who hasn’t played since November 28 due to an ankle injury.
However, he has been back in training this week and could play a part.
PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the encounter between two of Europe's super-clubs "could be a Champions League final".
"[Real Madrid] are a fantastic team, they always raise their level in important moments of the season," Pochettino explained ahead of a huge last-16 meeting.
"At times they haven't been that good in the league, but they've ended up winning the Champions League. They have that togetherness and ability to compete.
"It's a tie that could be a Champions League final with these names, players and quality.
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Neymar back to training PSG’s five days before Real Madrid clash
"We respect Real Madrid, they're one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"Their 13 Champions League titles tell you it isn't just about players or coaches, it's about the strength and internal structure of a club. PSG have been waiting to win this trophy for over 50 years. We're the challengers. We're trying to build a team to get closer to that dream."
REAL MAY BE WITHOUT BENZEMA
Real Madrid may be without striker Karim Benzema as he has missed the last three games with injury.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said the final word on the France striker would be a collective decision from the player and the club's doctors, with the Italian to make a decision based on the information he is given.
Gareth Bale by contrast is coming back into fitness and he made his first appearance of the season in the 0-0 draw with Villarreal on Saturday.
Ancelotti elaborated on the Welshman's current state of mind - and how that has differed to what it is now.
"I talk to him to try and get the best out of him," the Italian said.
"I listen to his problems, we have a good relationship. I have nothing to criticise him for. He's focussed, he's professional, he respects people - he's always done that.
"He's had injuries and his contract is coming to an end. Maybe in the past he didn't have much motivation, but now everything is good and he wants to finish here in a way that he deserves.
"He has won a lot with this club - finishing well would be good for his career."
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