Luis Enrique said defender Presnel Kimpembe could make his long-awaited return to Paris Saint-Germain in the club's Coupe de France match against FC Espaly.
Kimpembe last played for PSG in a 3-0 win over Marseille in February 2023 after rupturing his Achilles tendon, but returned to training last month.
The 29-year-old had become a crucial part of the Parisiens defense under Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, although his absence did not hamper his side.
Luis Enrique said ahead of their meeting with fifth-tier FC Espaly on Wednesday that the draw was the perfect opportunity to get Kimpembe back into the team.
“Tomorrow is an ideal match for us to see certain players,” Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of the round of 32.
“After talking to Presnel to see if he feels ready, he feels much better. He has been able to train with the team. I see in training that he can help the team.”
But the PSG boss remained coy about his team selection and whether players reportedly looking for a move away from the Parc des Princes would materialize.
Milan Skriniar and Randal Kolo Muani have both been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa both potential destinations.
“Tomorrow morning we will announce the squad list. I would like my players to get that information first before all of you,” he said. “We will see tomorrow whether they are in the selection or not.”
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PSG are expected to win at the Stade Marcel-Michelin, while they also maintain their seven-point lead at the Ligue 1 summit with victory over Saint-Etienne on Sunday.
But their problems this season have come in the Champions League, where they sit 25th in the new 36-team standings, with just two games remaining in the league stage.
Luis Enrique's side will face Manchester City and Stuttgart in those league matches, knowing that six points is a must if they want to progress to the knockout stages.
The last time they failed to progress beyond the first stage of the Champions League was in 2004-05, and Luis Enrique said those matches would take priority.
“With the Champions League matches coming up, we want to be in the best possible condition,” said Luis Enrique.
“Of course there will be rotation during these matches to give all players the time we feel is appropriate.”
But the PSG boss acknowledged the difficulty of the task FC Espaly will set for his superstar side, suggesting they will have to be at their best to progress.
“We are playing against another team and as always at PSG we will give everything,” said Luis Enrique.
“This draw gives us another opportunity to show that when you play for PSG, there are no friendlies or games where you can take your foot off the accelerator.”
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