Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino says Sergio Ramos could be involved in Sunday’s Coupe de France clash with fifth-tier Feignies-Aulnoye.
Ramos has only featured once for PSG since arriving from Real Madrid on a free transfer due a calf injury.
The veteran defender made his long-awaited debut in last month’s win at Saint-Etienne, but fresh muscle problems culminated in another spell on the sidelines.
Pochettino revealed he could return on Sunday when the runaway Ligue 1 leaders launch their Coupe de France defence against a side four divisions lower than them and the former Tottenham boss is also set to give young players an opportunity at Stade de Hainaut.
We think [Sergio] will be in the squad tomorrow. We will see if he starts or is on the bench, Pochettino said.
He has trained well over the last few days, so we will see if he can help in the game tomorrow.
It is a good opportunity for the young players to get a chance, and some of them will get to play and be involved with the first team.
They are very motivated about that, and it is important for them to feel part of this project.
PSG boast a proud record in the competition, lifting the trophy in six of the last seven years.
They are unbeaten against lower-league opposition since 2010, and you must go back a further 20 years for their last defeat at this stage.
Nevertheless, Pochettino has called for respect and professionalism from his players.
Mauricio Pochettino talks about the special appeal of the
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English)
The priority is always to win. There is no other priority, he added.
Playing against Feignies-Aulnoye gives us a chance to share something special against a team in the fifth tier. It is a wonderful thing in football that you only get in the cup.
The motivation and excitement for them to play against Paris Saint-Germain is massive. We know how they play, what they are trying to do against us.
But for us, we must show respect, be professional and play in the way that we want to play; try to win and be in the next round.
