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PSG Squad Crisis Forces Luis Enrique Into Shock Pre Season Decisions

by Callum Foster ⎯ 2 min read ⎯ 2026-07-22
PSG manager Luis Enrique contemplating squad tactical decisions on the pitch

PSG manager Luis Enrique contemplating squad tactical decisions on the pitch

Paris Saint-Germain will return to pre-season training on 27 July following a glorious campaign that yielded both Ligue 1 and Champions League titles. However, manager Luis Enrique will be working with a severely depleted squad during the opening weeks of preparation. According to Le Parisien, only players who did not participate in the 2026 World Cup will report for initial medical tests.

Key figures such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lucas Chevalier, Lucas Beraldo, Senny Mayulu, Dro Fernandez, and Matvey Safonov will form the core of the early training group. Meanwhile, 14 international players who featured in the World Cup will receive extended leave, severely limiting first-team selection options.

World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz and French international stars including Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembele will receive three weeks of holiday. New arrival Lucas Digne will also follow the same schedule. These players will not return until at least 8 August, making them unlikely to feature in the UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa on 12 August or the Trophee des Champions clash against Lens on 16 August.

According to team schedules, early World Cup casualties like Willian Pacho and Ibrahim Mbaye could return in time to face Aston Villa. Portugese duo Vitinha and Joao Neves, alongside defender Marquinhos, might feature against Lens depending on their fitness levels.

Defensive options remain a concern for Luis Enrique. Nuno Mendes suffered an injury while on duty with Portugal, potentially delaying his return. Moroccan fullback Achraf Hakimi is expected to miss early competitive fixtures, with his return targeted for the Ligue 1 opener against Rennes on 23 August.

The severe absences will force Luis Enrique to field experimental lineups during upcoming friendly matches against Mallorca and Manchester United in early August. PSG must now navigate crucial silverware fixtures with a heavily rotated squad.

// Topics
#psg #paris_saint-germain #luis_enrique #uefa_super_cup #trophee_des_champions #ligue_1 #aston_villa #world_cup_2026
Senior Sports Journalist - Football & Tactical Analysis

Callum Foster is a renowned sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in the world of football. A former correspondent in London, Madrid, and Milan, he has covered the biggest sporting events: World Cups, European Championships, Champions League, and domestic leagues. His tactical analysis and on-the-ground reports are valued for their depth and accuracy. Passionate about European and South American football, he brings unique and insightful perspectives to sports news.