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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans are not happy about Lionel Messi's exclusion from their starting lineup to face Lorient at the Stade Yves Allainmat on Sunday. According to a fitness update from the club's medical department, the Argentine playmaker is out of contention due to injury.
Messi is injured and won't play against Lorient, alongside Keylor Navas, Presnel Kimpembe, and Fabian Ruiz. The forward is currently undergoing treatment for an inflamed Achilles tendon but is expected to join the team in training next week. Hugo Ekitike has replaced the Argentinian in the starting XI for the clash.
PSG fans are not pleased about this, as Lionel Messi has been a source of impressive goals and assists for the Parisian giants. The forward has successfully embedded himself at the Parc des Princes after a difficult debut season, racking up 12 goals and 14 assists in 18 appearances this campaign.
Here is how fans have reacted to the playmaker's absence from the starting lineup, with a number of them stating that they have no reason to watch the game:
PSG prepare to face Lorient without Lionel Messi
The Parisians sit in first place in Ligue 1, while their hosts sit fourth, and many will be expecting an easy match for the visitors. PSG enjoyed a fast-paced start to the season thanks to brilliant performances from players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi. The trio have continued to perform remarkably.
However, their continental plans have not gone to plan, as they were unable to take their ruthless form into the Champions League. They failed to secure a first-place finish in their group, instead finishing in second and surrendering the pole position to Benfica. This means they will face tough competition when the Round of 16 comes around, with the draw set to pit them against group leaders like Real Madrid, Chelsea, or Liverpool.
Lorient also had an impressive start to the season. However, their momentum has slumped in recent times, and they have picked up three games without a win. The hosts are currently dealing with injuries, which has added to their problems. Their push for a Champions League spot could be derailed by a loss to PSG.
The Parisians might not have Lionel Messi to make things happen, but they still retain a lot of firepower in Mbappe and Neymar, both of whom are in the starting lineup.
