Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has confirmed that Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi will all be rested for Friday's Coupe de France third-round clash away against third tier outfit Chateauroux.
Messi returned to training on Wednesday and received a guard of honour from his teammates and members of staff following his World Cup success with Argentina, but Galtier has revealed that the 35-year-old will continue to step up his fitness ahead of next Wednesday's Ligue 1 clash with Angers.
Mbappe and Hakimi, meanwhile, both returned to training shortly after their World Cup exploits with France and Morocco respectively, before playing the full 90 minutes in PSG's surprise 3-1 defeat against Lens in Ligue 1 last Sunday.
However, Galtier has since revealed that the pair "will have a few days' rest" and, like Messi, will not be involved against Chateauroux.
As for Neymar, the Brazilian missed the loss against Lens due to suspension and although he is able to return on Friday, Galtier believes the 30-year-old 'needs time' to rest after experiencing ankle problems during the World Cup.
PSG will also be without midfielder Marco Verratti due to suspension, while Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes remain sidelined with respective Achilles and thigh injuries.
Renato Sanches has missed the last two matches against Strasbourg and Lens after sustaining a bruise and the midfielder remains doubtful for Friday's contest.
Galtier is expected to tinker with his starting lineup and the PSG boss may chose to delve into the club's academy, with teenage trio Warren Zaire-Emery, El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Ismael Gharbi all pushing for a starting berth.
The likes of Keylor Navas, Juan Bernat, Vitinha and Pablo Sarabia, who all began on the substitutes' bench against Lens, will be hoping to force their way into the first XI.
PSG possible starting lineup: Navas; Mukiele, Marquinhos, Bitshiabu, Bernat; Zaire-Emery; Vitinha, Gharbi; Soler; Sarabia, Ekitike
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