South African striker Lebo Mothiba’s Strasbourg FC face Kylian Mbappe-led Paris Saint Germain (PSG) in France on Wednesday evening.
The on-and-off Bafana Bafana forward Lebo Mothiba has shown glimpses of his good old self in recent games for Strasbourg.
The towering Lebo Mothiba had, before the 2022 Qatar World Cup, scored twice, mostly coming off the bench.
Lebo Mothiba struggled with injuries in the French Ligue 1, but he keeps fighting back.
A LOT EXPECTED FROM LEBO MOTHIBA
Now, a lot will be expected from the South African going into Wednesday’s game against the star-studded PSG.
The game marks the return of the French Ligue 1 action after the recent World Cup break involving stars such as Mbappe.
Mbappe returned to PSG training four days after the disappointment of losing 4-2 on post-match penalties to club-mate Lionel Messi’s Argentina at the World Cup.
France and Argentina had settled for a three-all draw in regulation time when Mbappe scored a hat-trick and Messi a double.
The focus now is on the league assignments for PSG, who want to consolidate their lead at the top of the table.
Reports from France suggest that Mbappe has looked very sharp in training and friendlies.
The French star, according to Ligue 1 website, played in friendly wins over Paris FC and US Quevilly-Rouen Métropole.
PSG COACH HAPPY WITH KYLIAN MBAPPE
PSG coach Christophe Galtier has since said he is happy to welcome back the World Cup Golden Boot Award winner Mbappe.
“Kylian had a huge tournament. He was disappointed not to lift the most beautiful of trophies even if he was the top scorer,” Ligue 1 website quotes Galtier saying.
“He wanted to get back in touch with the group very quickly and prepare for the upcoming games. We’re very, very happy to see him.”
PSG WILL BE WITHOUT LIONEL MESSI
PSG will be without Messi and other players, such as Achraf Hakim, who have been given days off.
The Moroccan defender Hakim had a wonderful World Cup as the Atlas Lions reached the semifinals.
It was the first time that an African team reached the last-four stage.
PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe is also out of the game due to a long-term injury alongside Portuguese pair Nuno Mendes and Danilo Pereira.
PSG lead the log table five points clear, whereas Strasbourg are 30 points and 18 places away in 19th.
The relegation-threatened Strasbourg will be without suspended Alexander Djiku and Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel, according to Ligue 1 website.
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