Kylian Mbappe: Christophe Galtier offers update after Montpellier injury
By Tom Gott
Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has assured fans there is 'nothing to worry about' after Kylian Mbappe limped out of the team's 3-1 win over Montpellier on Wednesday.
The superstar forward managed just 21 minutes, in which he missed both a penalty and its eventual retake before clutching his hamstring and walking down the tunnel to join injured teammate Neymar on the treatment table.
With the first leg of PSG's Champions League last 16 clash with Bayern Munich scheduled for 14 February, fans were understandably sweating over the fitness of one of the world's elite players. But Galtier does not believe there is anything to be concerned about.
"Kylian took a blow behind the knee and on the muscle," Galtier explained. "Is it a contusion or a hematoma? We do not know yet. Regardless, it does not seem very serious. With the sequences of matches, we preferred not to take any risks. There's not too much to worry about."
Mbappe's injury was part of a disasterous first half which also saw centre-back Sergio Ramos forced off with a muscle problem.
"Sergio, when falling, hurt his adductor," Galtier added. "We think it's not serious. He preferred to come off and not take any risks regarding the discomfort."
Goals from Lionel Messi, Fabian Ruiz and 16-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery ultimately propelled PSG to victory after the break, maintaining their five-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 standings.
PSG face Toulouse in the league on Saturday before a huge Coupe de France clash with rivals Marseille away from home on Wednesday, for which Mbappe has to be viewed as a major doubt to feature. A trip to Monaco is also on the agenda, before PSG reignite their quest for European glory.