Neymar sick, misses PSG training ahead of Marseille game

Updated Feb. 6, 2021 10:24 a.m. ET

Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar is uncertain to play in Sunday’s match at bitter rival Marseille after missing training because of gastroenteritis, coach Mauricio Pochettino said.

“We hope that Neymar recovers as quickly as possible,” Pochettino said at a news conference on Saturday. “We will see tomorrow if he can be part of the squad.”

Pochettino also has doubts over center half Marquinhos and midfielder Marco Verratti.

“They've trained with the squad. But as with Neymar, we will decide tomorrow," Pochettino said.

French champion PSG said backup defender Timothee Pembele has the coronavirus and is self-isolating. Central defender Abdou Diallo, who contracted the virus on Jan. 29, is still following COVID-19 protocols and will miss the game.

First-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas is nursing an adductor muscle injury and midfielder Ander Herrera is not yet match fit after recently resuming training.

“He (Navas) is recovering well, but he won't be ready for the match tomorrow,” Pochettino said. “We'll see how he gets on with a view to the French Cup game next Wednesday.”

Marseille could be without imposing striker Arkadiusz Milik,

The clubs are meeting for the third time this season, having won once each.

Marseille won 1-0 in an

Neymar scored when PSG beat Marseille 2-1 last month to

PSG entered the weekend in third place, trailing leader Lille by three points and Lyon by one.

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