Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Neymar has not travelled to Suzhou, China for the French champions’ preseason friendly against Sydney FC on Tuesday amid links of a return to former club Barcelona.
The Brazil international, who was confident of tempting an offer from the Spanish giants before the squad left for China, has stayed behind at PSG’s base in Shenzhen to work on his fitness alongside defender Presnel Kimpembe as “planned”.
Consequently, Neymar will not feature against the Australian side and will therefore not play at all in China as he is suspended for the Trophee des Champions clash with Rennes on Saturday in Shenzhen.
PSG drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in Macau on Saturday with German defender Thilo Kehrer on target but lost 5-6 to the Italians on penalties.
Marco Verratti has been rested for the Sydney match with head coach Thomas Tuchel expected to give game time to a number of youth academy graduates in order to be fully prepared for Saturday’s clash with Rennes.
Meanwhile, sources have told ESPN FC that Everton’s Idrissa Gueye will undergo his medical on Monday ahead of his move.
Sporting director Leonardo, who had stayed behind in France to secure the Senegal international’s signature, could now link up with the group in China in time for the Trophee des Champions.
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