Luis Enrique insists Kylian Mbappe is ‘fine’ despite being replaced due to an injury concern during Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Marseille. The World Cup winner was substituted in the 30th minute of the 4-0 Ligue 1 victory on Sunday evening, after complaining of pain in his ankle.
The French champions already led through a strike from Achraf Hakimi, and further goals from summer signings Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos eased the hosts to a comfortable win. However, Mbappe’s withdrawal provoked an immediate concern, with PSG due at St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on October 4.
Enrique was quizzed on the status of his star player following the full-time whistle, and the former Barcelona boss eased concerns over the 24-year-old’s fitness. He told reporters via GOAL: “It’s not serious, but there was pain. I think it was smarter to go out (subbed off). It’s a blow, he’s fine.”
Mbappe could yet be fit to feature in PSG’s next league fixture at Clermont Foot on Saturday, before they travel to Tyneside for their second Group F fixture. Enrique’s side opened their European campaign with a comfortable home win over Borussia Dortmund, with Mbappe on the scoresheet.
The PSG boss told reporters after the 2-0 win: “It is only match day one and there is a long way to go. It was vital for us to win, which gives us confidence for our future fixtures.
The key will be to win as many games as possible. It will certainly be tough, open and hotly contested. Our next game is away to Newcastle and we will try to play our game because a win over there would be very important.”
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