'It's very simple' - Kylian Mbappe sent blunt message by PSG boss Luis Enrique after being hauled off against Rennes

Luis Enrique removed Mbappe from the Parisians' clash with Rennes after an hour on Sunday, benching the French superstar while his side trailed 1-0. Goncalo Ramos replaced him, and scored a late equaliser to save his side from any blushes.

Luis Enrique explained his decision to bench his star man after the game: "It’s very simple, sooner or later, when it happens we have to get used to playing without Kylian. When I want to play like this, I will, when I don’t, I won’t. It’s very easy, there are competitions and my intention is not to give ‘free’ minutes, I want maximum competitiveness. Every player has to deserve their playing time."

Mbappe's days in the French capital are numbered. He informed the club two weeks ago that he plans on leaving in June, and reportedly has an agreement to join Real Madrid ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

The accomplished player may not be guaranteed to play every minute for the Parisians in the coming weeks. However, he figures to be a regular starter and should be in the picture when his side takes on Monaco this Friday.