A nice morning surprise. This Monday shortly after 11 a.m., at the announcement of the Parisian group which is going to Munich for a decisive match in the Champions League, the French champion took everyone by surprise. No notable absence but above all almost surprising returns, those of Presnel Kimpembe and Gonçalo Ramos.
Concerning the Portuguese striker, Luis Enrique ultimately did not lie. On October 26, on the eve of the trip to Marseille, the Spanish technician responded in a not-so-ironic way: “He’s coming back on the 25th but I don’t know what month.” Victim of a fractured left ankle on August 16 during the opening match of the L1 against Le Havre (4-1), the former Benfica player is back with his partners, a little less than a year week after resuming collective training.
During the international break, Ramos took part in the training of the Espoirs team but unlike Lucas Hernandez and Presnel Kimpembe, he did not take part in all the oppositions, during which the young Parisians were instructed not to go in contact with their elders. But it was ultimately the optimistic version, the first internally, which prevailed. The technical staff had been convinced for several weeks that the striker with 14 goals last season in all competitions would be on the scoresheet this Tuesday in Bavaria.
The last moments gave the staff a little doubt but everything went as initially planned, as we had reported before the international break. “He is in his final recovery process with the very clear intention of returning. But I don’t know when,” Luis Enrique was still cautious this Monday in Munich. On campus, he was judged “fit” in recent hours. “He is very happy,” commented his compatriot Vitinha at a press conference. It’s been a long time since he played and like all players who have been injured for a long time, he misses the field. We’re here to help him come back. »
“Gonçalo Ramos is more ready” than Kimpembe, says Luis Enrique
For the French international, who has not played since February 26, 2023, following a rupture of an Achilles tendon on the pitch at the Vélodrome, a return to the group was expected in a League match 1. His presence with his partners on Tuesday evening at the Allianz Arena in Munich does not mean that he will come into play. In reality, his trip to Bavaria is almost part of his return protocol: after 18 months without playing , Kimpembe must also get back into preparing for high-stakes matches, from match day training to talks and warm-ups.
Necessary steps to regain your bearings, find a place in the group and feel the pressure, the atmosphere before a meeting. By summoning him, Luis Enrique also wanted to reward the self-sacrifice of the Parisian central defender, whose dedication and qualities of resilience he appreciated. However, it seems very unlikely to see him play a few minutes against his friend Kingsley Coman’s Bayern Munich. If he no longer has severe pain, “Presko” should wait until the end of the match, the scenario of which is extremely well embarked upon, to return to the field.
“Kimpembe, things are going much better for him but he is still in the recovery phase. On the other hand, Gonçalo Ramos is more ready,” explained Luis Enrique. “I imagine the feeling he has of being with the group, traveling, training. He’s past the worst. Now he has to enjoy it. I sent him a message to give him strength,” commented Vitinha. Originally, Parisian management had planned a return to the field in December. It will start with a few minutes before building to a crescendo. But unless he encounters new physical problems, “Presko” is never this close to returning to the football fields.
