Enrique gives PSG injury update ahead of Strasbourg clash

Luis Enrique spoke to the press today, ahead of tomorrow's game in which the Parisians take on third-placed Strasbourg in a Friday night clash that has the potential to be a tricky one for the team from the capital.

A medical update given before the conference ruled out Ousmane Dembélé, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves, all of whose recovery programs have been extended by the club. In better news for the club, however, Desiré Doué was cleared to return to the pitch after a persistent calf issue that kept him out for more than a month, alongside fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who returns after a knock.

PSG vs Strasbourg: Luis Enrique's injury update

Answering a question from l’Equipe, Enrique also stated that he cannot guarantee that Doué and Marquinhos (also returning from injury) will be available to start tomorrow, and will base his decision on their performance and fitness levels  in tonight’s training session. Enrique has faced an injury crisis over the last few months, and PSG have managed to navigate the last month without lowering their level too much: something Enrique will be extremely pleased by.

Asked whether he thinks the imminent return of some players represents the end of the injury issues that have marred the start of the season, Enrique refused to be drawn in to speculation, stating that he wasn’t taking anything for granted.

Enrique also spoke about the fitness of his players on this return from the international break as being 'full of surprises - you never know how players will come back from their national team, and how fit they will be. There will be a lot of individual situations to look out for.' It's yet to be seen, then, which players who travelled over the break will be fit and able to play from the start tomorrow.

PSG come into the match in what is an unusual situation for them domestically: in slightly worse shape than their opponents, who have been in a rich vein of form, having won four of their last five games. Luis Enrique, when asked about tomorrow's match, spoke highly of his team's upcoming opponents:

"It will be a hard game. They are a young team with a great coach. They will be very motivated, and we know their level. We have to be ready for a complicated game, it's going to be very tight." Enrique also highlighted that he perceived Strasbourg as one of the best teams in the league, and even though Strasbourg have never won at the Parc des Princes, no PSG fan will be taking tomorrow's game for granted.

Asked about some individual performances, Enrique also defended striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has not scored in four Ligue Un starts this season, saying he was pleased with his performances despite the lack of goals from the Portuguese striker.

Speaking to PSG TV, Luis Enrique also spoke about the pink ribbon Breast Cancer charity that PSG has collaborated with in October, and emphasized how proud he was of the club's involvement in this charity foundation.