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
-
Haruna Mohammed claims Ghana Audit Service undermined
4 minutes -
5 members of notorious robbery syndicate in Tema, Accra arrested
5 minutes -
BoG, SEC and FIC hold Joint sensitisation workshop for Virtual Asset Service Providers
11 minutes -
How Nico Cantor became one of the top voices in American soccer
59 minutes -
Ghana colorectal cancer patients face low survival rates, KNUST study finds
1 hour -
Police arrest suspect in GH₵ 7.5m daylight robbery at Adabraka
1 hour -
Armwrestling: The Golden Arms’ 2025 Triumph and an Era of Unprecedented Victories
1 hour -
Ghanaian researcher wins ASCE editors’ recognition for modular construction study
1 hour -
Corruption fight: I don’t think there’s political persecution or witch-hunting – Edem Senanu
1 hour -
Police deploys personnel to heighten security ahead of watchnight services
2 hours -
Education in Review: 2025 marks turning point as President Mahama resets Ghana’s education sector
2 hours -
The Cedi ressurection: Goldbod didn’t promote Galamsey to strengthen It
2 hours -
The Diplomatic Surgeon: How Ablakwa’s institutional reset is anchoring the Mahama legacy
2 hours -
Nigeria AG clears Sam Jonah, directs end to criminal case over Jonah Capital, Houses for Africa
2 hours -
Professor Agyeman-Duah labels CJ Torkonoo’s removal a key low point in Mahama’s administration
3 hours
