PSG Injury Update: Gianluigi Donnarumma latest details, recovery timeline

Paris Saint Germain pulled a thriller in their away game against rivals AS Monaco, to win 2-4. The scoreline did give them a big advantage in their mission to defend the Ligue 1 title, but the match surely abrupt their plans for the season ahead. The side’s first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma suffered a brutal injury in his face and now will need to be out of action for several days.

The blow to the Italian goalie looks serious, and this is bound to affect coach Luis Enrique’s plans ahead. So, let’s read below and find out the latest update on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s injury, impact on PSG, possible replacements, probable return date, and all possible things associated with it.

Gianluigi Donnarumma Injury Update

Gianluigi was representing PSG, protecting the fence in the all-important game against AS Monaco. This was during the initial minutes of the game when Monaco striker Wilfried Singo tried to chip past the Italian goalie, but he mistimed his run. His error cost Donnarumma heavily, as he got stamped brutally on the face.

Post the tussle Donnarumma was seen deeply wounded, and in the words of PSG’s official statement, he suffered “facial trauma with multiple cuts”. The club has said that he will undergo medical tests in the coming days, as he has returned to Paris with the team. As per Footboom, the player has required ten stitches.

The goalie however recently took to his Instagram, posting a pic of him sitting with his dog, with a band-aid on his face. He has written “Tutto bene”, which is an Italian phrase translation to “Everything is good”, which indicates that he is fine, and is recovering well. Wilfried Singo too took to his social media to apologise to Donnarumma. He also cleared that the move wasn’t an intentional one, and he wished the best for the goalie.

Impact of Gianluigi Donnarumma Injury on PSG Squad and Strategy

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s injury ought to impact PSG’s journey ahead. They would be facing RC Lens twice and AS Monaco once in the upcoming month in French competitions alone, these teams have lethal attacks that need to be hindered well by the GKs and Gianluigi happens to be PSG’s first choice. Also, the club is also going to face Manchester City in the coming days, and not having the main man protecting the sticks could cost them against Haaland & co.

Coach Luis Enrique shouldn’t ideally employ a different strategy for the games, as GK has been injured and not on-field players. But knowing that the other goalies together have played fewer minutes than Donnarumma, we can expect Enrique to take less risk on the attack, and have a more consolidated defense to minimize shots directed towards the fence. 

Possible Replacements and Tactical Adjustments

PSG have three able goalkeepers to fill in the slot of Donnarumma. Ideally, his replacement in the game against AS Monaco, Matvey Safonov should be the one to replace him till he is fit. The other options available are Arnau Tenas and Louis Mouqet (20 years old), but they are yet to play a game this season.

Tactically Luis Enrique Martinez is expected to make no such changes. He should be having his 4-3-3 attacking approach unchanged. The same possession-centric game with a touch of tiki-taka is expected to be seen. The only change if deemed a threat could be playing more in defense and less in attack (if howlers happen during a game). 

Gianluigi Donnarumma Return date

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s expected return date from being match-fit and fully available for play is not known yet. However, the official statement from PSG has mentioned that he would need “rest for several days”. This makes it clear that he is not returning very soon.

However, his latest Instagram post updating on his recovery does give some sighs of relief, as he started a recovery.

Also Read: Real Madrid Injury Update: Jude Bellingham latest details, recovery timeline

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