Audio By Carbonatix
Neymar has been left out of the Paris Saint-Germain squad for Tuesday’s clash against Nantes due to a rib injury, just two days after the Brazilian held a lavish party to celebrate his birthday.
The white-themed event at a Parisian nightclub was attended by a number of Neymar’s team-mates including Marco Verratti, Edinson Cavani, and Angel Di Maria.
Neymar, who turns 28 on Wednesday, is known for throwing huge celebrations to mark personal milestones. In 2019, 500 people were invited to an event sponsored by Red Bull, while Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and the president of Brazil were among the guests to celebrate his 26th birthday two years ago.
The former Barcelona forward has now been injured on his birthday every year since joining PSG, having suffered foot injuries in 2018 and 2019 that kept him out for several weeks.
Despite talk of holding a more low-key celebration this year, PSG boss Thomas Tuchel, who was not present on Sunday, branded the event a “distraction” given it was sandwiched between two league matches.
However, the German insisted his team selection for the Nantes game would not be influenced by the party.
"I always protect my players, and I really love my team. With this party, I accept that it is a bit difficult to protect the players, but the context is not simply black or white," he told a news conference. "Is it the best way to prepare for a match? No, clearly not. Is it the worst thing in the world? No.
"It is a shame, because we are giving people the chance to speak badly of us. We need to adapt to the situation, but I am not going to leave a player on the bench or at home because they went out and celebrated.”
Kylian Mbappe is included in the squad despite his touchline spat with Tuchel during Saturday’s victory over Montpellier.
The France international reacted angrily to being substituted and had a heated exchange with Tuchel on the touchline.
"There is nothing personal between him and me. These things happen," added the former Borussia Dortmund boss.
"It was between a player who does not want to come off, and a coach who had his reasons for doing something, and who wanted to give a game to players who deserved it."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s HIV crisis: Stigma drives new infections as AIDS Commission bets on AI and six-month injectables
1 hour -
US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship
2 hours -
Notorious Ashaiman robber arrested in joint police operation
3 hours -
Judge sets key dates after video evidence hurdle in Nana Agradaa appeal case
4 hours -
Who are favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?
4 hours -
Galamsey crisis spiritual, not just economic; Pulpit and policy intervention needed – Prof. Frimpong-Manso
4 hours -
We will come after you – Muntaka warns online fearmongers
4 hours -
Forestry office attack: Suspected gang leader arrested, two stolen cars recovered
5 hours -
How Asamoah Gyan reacted after Ghana was paired with England, Croatia, and Panama for the 2026 World Cup
6 hours -
Ghana Armed Forces opens 2025/2026 intake for military academy
6 hours -
Prime Insight: OSP vs. Kpebu and petitions to remove EC boss to dominate discussions this Saturday
6 hours -
Multimedia’s David Andoh selected among international journalists covering PLANETech 2025 in Israel
7 hours -
Gov’t prioritising real action over slogans – Kwakye Ofosu
8 hours -
England are tough, but we can play against Ghana, Panama – Croatia coach reacts to World Cup draw
9 hours -
Togbe Afede urges Ghanaians to support made-in-Ghana products
9 hours
