Hugo Ekitiké and Marco Verratti omitted from PSG’s Champions League squad
Hugo Ekitiké (21) and Marco Verratti (30) have both been left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for the Champions League group stages, according to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins.
PSG were furious with Ekitiké on transfer deadline day, according to L’Équipe. The former Stade de Reims forward repeatedly rejected a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, which at the time, looked to have made Randal Kolo Muani’s move to the Parc des Princes. Ultimately, the former FC Nantes striker did join Les Parisiens, albeit for an increased fee. However, L’Équipe reported that Ekitiké’s prospects of playing for PSG, at least in the short term, were damaged by his refusal to move to the Bundesliga. Earlier in the summer, the France youth international had been told by Luis Enrique and Luis Campos that he was surplus to requirements at the club, according to RMC Sport.
Within this context, Ekitiké has not been included in PSG’s squad for the Champions League group stages. Verratti is also absent from that list, which has been communicated to UEFA. The Italian veteran midfielder was expected to leave the club after being told that he was also surplus to requirements. He may yet move. Verratti is most strongly linked with Al-Arabi, and the Qatari transfer window remains open until 18th September.
Keylor Navas, who was also expected to leave PSG, has been included in the squad, as has Presnel Kimpembe, who is working his way back to fitness following a long-term injury.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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