“Mentally he really wants to play” – Christophe Galtier offers update on Neymar’s ankle injury ahead of PSG return
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Christophe Galtier has given a positive update on Neymar's availability for the side's Ligue 1 clash with Strasbourg on Wednesday (December 28).
Neymar, 30, has been dealing with an ankle problem he suffered during the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Brazil. He missed two games for the Selecao in Qatar before returning to action in the last 16 and quarterfinals. Brazil were eliminated in the last eight on penalties (4-2) to Croatia on December 9.
The PSG attacker is now gearing up for a return to club football, and it seems he will be available for the clash with Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes. Galtier seemingly confirmed likewise, telling reporters in his pre-match presser (via RMC Sport):
"We saw his injury, his swollen ankle, but he was able to play. He was able to heal in the meantime, and he had a 12-day break."
The PSG boss continued:
“He went home with his medical team around him to treat his ankle. When he came back on the 22nd, he worked as normal without restrictions. He is fine physically; his ankle is fine. Mentally, he really wants to play, so everything is fine."
Morning 😴 https://t.co/Yez9fL2RuU
Neymar was in scintillating form heading into the FIFA World Cup, scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists in 20 appearances. He managed two goals and an assist in three outings in the World Cup but couldn't have the impact he hoped for due to his ankle injury.
The Parisians, meanwhile, are top of Ligue 1, with a five-point lead over second-placed Lens after 15 games. Strasbourg are 19th and are winless in their last five outings.
Lionel Messi inspires PSG teammate Neymar to win next FIFA World Cup
Neymar suffered a heartbreaking exit from the FIFA World Cup with Brazil. The former Barcelona attacker scored the opener in regulation time before Bruno Petkovic equalised for Vatreni.
However, he was not one of the four players to step up and take a penalty for Selecao in the shootout. Doubts were cast over his future with his national team after the team's exit from the quadrennial tournament.
With his goal today, Neymar joined Pelé and Ronaldo as the only Brazil men's national team players to score in 3 different FIFA World Cup tournaments 🇧🇷🐐 https://t.co/TDMFnHQJiw
However, the Brazilian has reportedly been inspired by PSG teammate Messi's triumph in Qatar. Argentina lifted the illustrious trophy for the third time in their history.
Neymar will be 34 when the 2026 World Cup comes around but is motivated to continue playing for Brazil. Seeing his longtime friend reach the pinnacle of international football seems to have turned his head.