Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery says superstar playmaker Neymar could return to training before the end of April.
The Brazilian suffered a broken metatarsal at the end of February and was expected to be out for two to three months after undergoing surgery for the injury in his home country.
However, speaking ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 clash against Saint-Etienne on Friday, Emery says Neymar is due back in Paris to have his recovery assessed by the club.
“”I spoke with Neymar and he told me that he is continuing to work,” Emery said at the pre-match press conference. “He will be back with us in two or three weeks – hopefully to resume training.”
The Spanish coach also denied that any talks about his own future at the club have taken place, amid another season punctuated by Champions League disappointment.
Official confirmation from UEFA that @JamesMilner has equalled Neymar’s record of 8 assists in single champions league season. Stunning effort https://t.co/JO5ZUbgMsI pic.twitter.com/ds9jK6P1ct
— John Bradley (@jbradleymedia) April 4, 2018
PSG have been linked with potential approaches for former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, and Tottenham‘s Maurico Pochettino after the Parisians’ limp display against Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
But Emery said he didn’t feel any more pressure because of the European failure.
“Since I started out as a coach, requirements have not differed too much – you must win,” he said.
“You are always looking for good performances. I am happy here. I believe that things are positive here.
“The team has made progress. Each training session and each game motivates me. I still want to develop further.
“I have not spoken with the club about next season or my future. Now is not the time.
“We have continued our work since the Champions League exit. Perhaps we will discuss it in greater depth next week or the week after.
“I have a good relationship with the president [chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi] and Antero [Henrique, the sporting director]. We will see what is best for PSG and also for me.”