It looks like Milan Coutinho will be out for an extended period of time due to injury. It’s a big blow for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which is short a center back.
PSG defeated Toulouse 2-0 in the 2023 Trofeo des Champions (French Super Cup) at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, at 4:45 a.m. ET on Thursday.
Goals from Lee Kang-in and Kylian Mbappe ensured that the trophy was lifted in victory, but the injury to Shkreliar was a major concern. Twenty-five minutes into the second half, Milan suddenly realized that he was no longer able to play and sat down on the pitch himself. After the medical staff arrived, it was revealed that he was experiencing discomfort on the outside of his left ankle, and Lucas Beraldo was brought on.
After the game, French journalist Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport said, “He will be out for several months. He may not play anymore this season. There was a strong impact around the ankle. There is a possibility of surgery for him.”
Before arriving at PSG, Schickriniar had a history of long-term injuries. After emerging as one of the best defenders in the Italian Serie A as a core center back for Inter Milan, Schickriniar was sidelined for a long time with a back injury. He left Inter with a back injury and joined PSG, where he earned Luis Enrique’s trust and became a regular starter. Partnering with Marquinhos at the back, Schickriniar’s up-and-down defensive performances have left PSG fans uneasy.
With Fresnel Kimpembe injured and fewer resources available, Nuno Mendes out with a long-term injury, and Luca Hernandez at left-back, Schickrijnier was forced to play. Now he’s injured and out of action. Enrique will have to rely on Marquinhos, Danilo Pereira, and newcomer Beraldo at center back. Ashraf Hakimi’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations will only add to his woes.
According to France’s Foot Mercato, “Shaqiri has a serious injury. His left ankle injury will keep him out of action for a long time. It looks like he might not play at all this season. It’s a huge blow. He could miss both PSG’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) title challenge and Slovakia’s UEFA EURO qualifying campaign.”
