Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Thiago Motta will miss Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona due to a groin injury.
Motta, 30, has been ruled of the first leg tie at the Parc de Princes after injuring his abductor muscle, which he reportedly sustained at the end of Thursday’s training session.
The Brazilian-born Italy international has only started 11 games this term following a series of calf, hamstring and back problems.
Ancelotti said: “He’s injured his abductor muscle. He’s having an unlucky year. I hope it isn’t serious.”
The Italian coach also urged his team to focus on Friday’s Ligue 1 game at home to French champions Montpellier rather than their glamour European tie with Barca.
He added: “We’re at an important moment of the season. We must first think about tomorrow’s game.”
Mamadou Sakho is likely to feature against Montpellier but recently revealed to L’Equipe that “in the mind of the PSG coach, I know I’m number three” in the hierarchy of central defenders behind Brazilian duo Alex and Thiago Silva.
Ancelotti explained: “If he thinks that, I’m sorry, because it’s not true.
“Sakho’s played 24 games this season, Alex has played 24 matches too and Thiago Silva as well. Thiago Silva’s been injured, but they’ve all played 24 matches.”
Source: ESPN
