The long-awaited Summer Olympics are getting close and countless superstars are eager to take part in the big event. However, it seems like thatwon’t be possible for Paris Saint-Germain‘s players. Neymar Jr., KylianMbappé, and three more playerswouldn’t be allowed to play in Tokyo 2020.
As it is not a FIFA competition, the French club can decide whether to allow them to play in the Olympics or not, and apparently they would rather deny them to do so.With Euro 2020 and Copa America 2021 taking place right now, the Parisians are reportedly concerned for the lack of rest these players would have before the 2021/22 season begins.
According to ESPN, the club won’t allow them to feature for their national teams in Tokyo as they want to have them back before the new campaign begins in August. Six names that wouldprobably be called up might not be able to travel to Japan.
Neymar Jr.
The Brazilian superstar seems to be interested in playing the Olympicsagain after guiding Brazil to their first gold medal in 2016. Neymar played a key role in that success, scoring a goal and the last penalty shot in the grand final. Five years later, he is still in great form and reportedly ready to chase a new triumph, but Paris have no intentions of missing him for a few more weeks.
Kylian Mbappé
The 22-year-old Frenchman has already got his hands into the most coveted trophy in world soccer, but he couldn’t take part in the Olympics yet. Therefore, Mbappé would be seeking to feature in Tokyo 2020. Still, he already is with France in Euro 2020 and PSG want him to get some rest before joining for a short preseason. Unlike the other players, though, the club could allow Mbappé so that they can talk about his contract again.
Marquinhos
The team captain is currently out with Brazil in Copa America 2021. Also a member of the goldmedal-winning team in Río 2016, PSG would definitely not allow Marquinhos to take part in the upcoming Olympic Games to have their captain ready for the beginning of the new season.
Julian Draxler
The German midfielderwas snubbed from the national team’s Euro 2020 roster. Despite his talent, he seems to have lost consideration in Joachim Löw‘s plans lately and he probably wouldn’t becalled up for the Olympics. Either way, Paris Saint-Germain are not interested in allowing him to do so.
Thilo Kehrer
Paris wouldn’t let their 24-year-old center back to be representing Germany either unless they suffer an early exit in the continental competition.However, the French side wants everyone back for the domestic Supercup clash against Lille on August 1and therefore wouldn’tallowKehrer to take part in the Summer Olympics.