Matchday 12 of the 2021-22 Ligue 1 will kick off with a must-watch showdown between PSG and LOSC Lille on Friday, October 29, at Parc des Princes. The hosts want to get back to winning ways, but trying to do so without Kylian Mbappe will mean a huge challenge.
Paris Saint-Germain come from a sour draw in the derby with Olympique Marseille in what has been a goalless affair. Mauricio Pochettino knows his team has plenty of work to do regarding its game despite the results it got so far.
Paris may be atop the French league standings and in a good spot in the UEFA Champions League, but their performances have been far from great. And showing an improvement without Mbappe might be difficult.
Why doesn't Kylian Mbappe play for PSG vs. Lille?
Lille pulled off a shock last season by running away with the Ligue 1 title, handing a lesson to Pochettino in his first season in France. That's why this game is even more special for PSG, as they want to dethrone them.
But their top striker is ruled out for this game. Kylian Mbappe won't be playing against Lille due to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infection that has prevented him from training properly during the week.
The club confirmed the news through a statement that read: "Kylian Mbappe is still undergoing treatment for his ENT infection and will resume training at the start of next week."
Mbappe could re-join group training on Monday but it depends on how he feels by then. It remains to be seen whether he makes it on time to Wednesday's UCL clash with Leipzig.