Gianluigi Donnarumma could return to action for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday when they take on Monaco in the Trophee des Champions after recovering from a facial injury.
PSG came back from 2-1 down to win 4-2 at Monaco in Ligue 1 on December 18, but had to replace Donnarumma midway through the first half after a dangerous challenge from Wilfried Singo, who is suspended for this match, left the goalkeeper with a battered face.
The 25-year-old Italian required urgent stitches on the pitch by the club doctor to stop the bleeding and has not played since.
“All three goalkeepers are fit to play and available for tomorrow,” Luis Enrique said at a press conference on Saturday.
“There is no problem with any of them, any of the three could play. I will decide tomorrow who will. Everyone is in good shape and we have one more training.”
The Spanish coach has brought his entire squad to Doha, Qatar, including some players rumored to be leaving PSG during the January transfer window.
“I thought it would be interesting to leave together and start the year and the second part of the season together,” said Luis Enrique.
“It's a final, and that's always a special match with a title at stake, so that means the more united we are, the better.
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— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 4, 2025
“The [league] match against Monaco was an excellent match for the supporters.
“We were in control from the start. Nevertheless, Monaco had a good start to the second half. It is normal that there are certain phases against such a team.
“The result reflected that we were better, but it is true that the game was open. I expect a good game tomorrow.”
PSG will be playing their 17th Trophee des Champions final, at least seven more times than any other team (10 ahead of Lyon). They have won 12 of the previous 16, including each of the last two seasons.
They won their opening match of a calendar year 20 of the last 22 times (D1 L1), drew against Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1 in 2021 (1-1) and lost to Lens in Ligue 1 in 2023 (1-3) . ).
Luis Enrique said that with Sunday's match being a final, emotions were guaranteed to run high.
“It's a final between the two best teams in the championship, so of course it will be difficult,” he said.
“We will have to be at a high level to beat Monaco. [But] We are motivated, prepared and looking forward to tomorrow's match.”
With their comeback win in Monaco, PSG extended their unbeaten run in the league to 16 games this season.
Besides Juventus from Serie A, the French champions are the only undefeated team still in the top five of European competitions this season.
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