Verratti’s injury piles further misery on Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield options

Marco Verratti is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a sprained ankle in Paris Saint-Germain’s 9-0 victory over Guingamp on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe and Edison Cavani both scored hat-tricks in PSG’s demolition of Guingamp but the result was marred by Verratti’s injury.

The Italy international was replaced after 19 minutes of Saturday’s victory and PSG have now confirmed the nature of the problem.

“The MRI has confirmed a sprained left ankle without any other injury,” a statement read on PSG’s official website. New checks early in the week will help define the length of his absence.”

PSG were already looking to sign a new central midfielder and Verratti’s absence has only accelerated the need to dip into the transfer market.

With Adrien Rabiot banished to the reserves for the rest of the season, coupled with reports Lass Diarra could retire, Tuchel is already short of options in midfield.

PSG are 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with two games in hand over second place Lille but Tuchel will be concerned with their Champions League last 16 encounter with Manchester United around the corner.

United have won seven games in a row in all competitions since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment and are finally playing with pace and purpose.

Only Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopez (96.2) averages more passes per 90 than Verratti (94.1) in Ligue 1 this season (10+ appearances).