Kimpembe’s Return to the Pitch: Awaiting the Right Moment
Paris Saint-Germain fans are eagerly anticipating the return of defender Presnel Kimpembe, but his comeback has been delayed once again. Despite being included in the squad for PSG’s Coupe de France clash against Espaly, Kimpembe remained on the bench for the entirety of the match.
PSG coach Luis Enrique cited concerns about the playing surface as the reason for Kimpembe’s absence. The pitch, typically used by Clermont-Ferrand’s rugby team, was deemed unsuitable for the defender’s return from a serious injury.
“The condition of the pitch was not ideal for his comeback,” Enrique explained. “It posed a risk to the players, and we need to prioritize his long-term health.”
Kimpembe has been sidelined since February 2023, when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a match against Marseille. The injury required two surgeries, the second of which took place shortly after he extended his contract with PSG until 2026.
While Kimpembe has made progress in his rehabilitation, Enrique emphasized that the defender needs more time to fully recover.
“He’s been making good strides in recent weeks,” Enrique stated. “But we need to be patient and ensure he returns at 100%.”
In Kimpembe’s absence, Luis Enrique opted for a central defensive pairing of Lucas Hernandez, another 2018 World Cup winner, and 17-year-old Axel Disasi, who made his professional debut in the match.
The question of when Kimpembe will finally return to the pitch remains unanswered. PSG faces a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, with a trip to Lens in Ligue 1 followed by a crucial Champions League encounter against Manchester City.
It’s unclear whether Kimpembe will be ready for either of these fixtures, but PSG fans will be hoping to see him back in action soon.
Is PSG Rushing Kimpembe’s Return? A Conversation with Former French International, Bixente Lizarazu
The sporting world waits with bated breath for the return of Presnel Kimpembe. Paris Saint-Germain’s stalwart defender has endured a long road to recovery after a brutal Achilles tendon injury suffered last February. While fans are understandably yearning to see him back on the pitch, PSG’s cautious approach, highlighted by his recent bench warming during the Coupe de France clash against Espaly, has sparked debate. To shed light on this delicate situation, we sat down with former French international and World Cup winner, Bixente Lizarazu.
Moderator: Bixente, thanks for joining us. PSG manager Luis Enrique cited concerns about the pitch quality as the reason for Kimpembe’s absence against Espaly. Do you think this was a legitimate reason, or are they being overly cautious?
Lizarazu: It’s clear that PSG are erring on the side of caution with Kimpembe, which is understandable given the severity of his injury. Achilles tendon ruptures are notoriously tough to come back from, and rushing him back could have disastrous consequences. A bumpy, uneven pitch like the one at Clermont-Ferrand could certainly increase the risk of re-injury. That being saeid, Kimpembe is itching to play, I’m sure. So finding the right balance between protecting him and satisfying his desire to return is a tough call for Enrique.
Moderator: Kimpembe’s been sidelined since February.What kind of mental toll can such a prolonged absence take on a player, especially one as prominent as Kimpembe?
lizarazu: It’s immense.The mental aspect of recovery is often underestimated. Doubts creep in, frustration sets in, and the desire to play can actually turn into a burden. You’re constantly thinking about the comeback, the pressure to perform, the fear of re-injury. It takes incredible mental strength to stay positive and focused during such a long and demanding rehabilitation process.
Moderator: PSG have some challenging fixtures coming up - Lens in Ligue 1 and then that crucial Champions League encounter against Manchester City. Do you think Kimpembe will be ready for either of those games?
Lizarazu: It’s a risky proposition. Kimpembe needs game time to rediscover his match sharpness. Throwing him back in against a physical team like Lens or a tactical mastermind like Guardiola’s City could be too much, too soon. Personally, I think PSG should prioritize his long-term health over immediate results.
Moderator: We’ve seen young Axel Disasi make his debut in Kimpembe’s absence. How vital is it for PSG to give these young players opportunities, even when a star player like Kimpembe is close to returning?
Lizarazu: Crucial. it’s about building depth and nurturing talent. Disasi’s debut is a classic example. You never know when a young player is ready to step up and make a difference. It also keeps the first team on thier toes - knowing that there’s competition for places can be a powerful motivator.
Moderator: what’s your advice to Kimpembe as he navigates this difficult comeback?
Lizarazu: Patience, Presnel. Trust the process.
Listen to your body. Don’t rush back for the sake of it.Your long-term career depends on making a full recovery, and when you do return, you’ll be stronger and more persistent than ever.
Moderator: Thank you, Bixente. Valuable insights as always.
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What do YOU think? Is PSG being too cautious with Kimpembe, or are they right to prioritize his long-term health? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going!
