Luis Enrique, the coach of Paris Saint-Germain, is considering how many players to rest for their upcoming home match against mid-table Lorient in Ligue 1 this Saturday.
Although PSG has not yet clinched the French title, a crucial match awaits on Wednesday, the second leg of their intense Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich, who narrowly lost 5-4 to the titleholders in an electrifying first leg on Tuesday.
“Every match presents different challenges. We must consider everything,” Luis Enrique remarked on Friday.
“I need to consult the players individually. It’s a complex situation, akin to playing Tetris. We have to aim for three points while ensuring our key players are fit for the most significant match of the season.”
PSG currently holds a six-point lead over second-placed Lens with four matches left, which includes a crucial away game on May 13 against their nearest rivals.
The high-scoring encounter against Bayern took a toll on players from both teams, leading to a thigh injury for PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi, sidelining him for several weeks.
“Bayern is the toughest opponent I’ve faced with PSG. The match was physically demanding, and the emotional fatigue added to the challenge,” said Luis Enrique. “[Hakimi] is an incredible athlete, performing at such a high level, it’s like having three players in one. Unfortunately, he won’t be with us in Munich, but we’re staying calm.”
It is expected that Warren Zaïre-Emery will move from midfield to cover for Hakimi at right back, and it’s crucial for him to remain fit as well.
This need for player durability is especially relevant for goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, particularly as backup Lucas Chevalier is also unavailable due to injury.
Luis Enrique requires Safonov for the Bayern match and may give a first league start to 19-year-old goalkeeper Renato Marin, who joined from AS Roma last summer and has a strong reputation.
Spain international Fabián Ruiz may start against Lorient after recently recovering from a knee injury he sustained in January against Sporting Lisbon.
“Fabian is an outstanding player for us, among the best midfielders globally,” Luis Enrique noted. “Tomorrow is an excellent opportunity for him to gain more match time.”
If PSG defeats ninth-placed Lorient and Lens loses to Nice later on Saturday, they will be on the cusp of sealing the league title.