PSG player snaps after latest question on Neymar and insists they can beat Real Madrid regardless

The Brazilian's fitness is a hot topic of conversation in the French capital

Thursday 01 March 2018 07:52 EST
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Neymar
Neymar (Getty)

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When Paris Saint-Germain went out and shattered the world transfer record by activating Neymar's release clause, it was clear that the Brazilian was going to be the biggest show in town.

But that show has become an irritant for Neymar's teammates, who were used to being asked about the 25-year-old forward's goals but who are now utterly tired of being asked about the Brazil international's fitness.

"Neymar again?!" asked young defender Presnel Kimpembe as another question arrived about the £200m man.

Kimpembe made headlines himself when he was thrown into the starting line-up at the Bernabeu for the first leg of PSG's Champions League knockout tie with Real Madrid. Included ahead of veteran defender Thiago Silva, the centre-back acquitted himself well. But he was less composed when faced with a barrage of questions about the second leg of that tie and whether Neymar's recovery would allow him to play at the Parc des Princes.

"Neymar here, Neymar there... I don't know what to say anymore, that's the truth," added Kimpembe.

"If he misses the game, he misses the game and that's that. The coach will pick other players.

"It hurts that he might not be able to make it and we know that he's an important player for the team. We're all hurt and we will try to qualify for him, but the team comes first."

Neymar's injury has ignited a club vs country row with Brazil, who want their star player to have an operation to ensure he's at peak fitness for this summer's World Cup in Russia.

Should PSG be eliminated from the Champions League at the round-of-16 stage there remains the possibility that the club might look to move on from manager Unai Emery, who has underwhelmed in Europe's top club competition, a tournament seen as the most important gauge of success by the club's Qatari owners.

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