Paris Saint-Germain will be without four key first-team players for their Ligue 1 clash against Brest on Sunday, opening the door for several promising youngsters to make the matchday squad. Warren Zaïre-Emery (back), Willian Pacho (thigh), Achraf Hakimi (thigh), and Nuno Mendes (thigh) have all been ruled out due to injuries, leaving head coach Luis Enrique with limited options in defense and midfield.
Zaïre-Emery's absence is particularly notable as the 18-year-old midfielder has been a regular this season. The back injury will keep him sidelined for the visit to Brest, while Pacho, Hakimi, and Mendes are all nursing thigh problems. With such a depleted backline, the French champions have turned to their academy to fill the gaps.
On Saturday morning, three young defenders were invited to train with the first team: Samba Coulibaly (18, center-back), Dimitri Lucea (19, center-back), and David Boly (17, right-back). All three are products of PSG's renowned youth academy and are now in contention to be included in the squad for the match at the Stade Francis-Le Blé.
This weekend's fixture comes during a congested end to the season for PSG, who have already secured the Ligue 1 title but continue to rotate their squad. The injuries provide a perfect opportunity for the club's youngsters to gain valuable first-team experience. Coulibaly, Lucea, and Boly have been training with the senior side and could make their debuts or earn their first minutes of the campaign.
With key players resting or recovering, the trio is expected to travel with the squad and may even get some playing time against a Brest side fighting for European qualification. PSG's wealth of young talent has been a talking point this season, and this match could be a showcase for the next generation.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.