Verratti and Mukiele to miss PSG's All-Star face-off against Ronaldo due to injury

Paris Saint-Germain duo Marco Verratti and Nordi Mukiele have been ruled out for their side's exhibition against a Saudi All-Star XI on Thursday.

Ronaldo to captain Saudi XI
Lionel Messi will play for PSG
But Verratti and Mukiele injured

WHAT HAPPENED? PSG announced the injuries on Tuesday, stating that Verratti is dealing with a right quadriceps injury and Mukiele a hamstring problem. Verratti, who recently signed a contract extension, is expected to return to training next week. Mukiele will undergo further tests in a few days.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Additionally, teenage goalkeeper Lucas Lavallee has been ruled out from the Saudi Arabia trip with a hamstring injury.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Despite the fitness concerns, PSG are expected to trot out plenty of stars in the much-anticipated mid-season exhibition. It will be the first Ronaldo vs Messi meeting since December 2020, when they squared off in the Champions League.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Coupe de France