Gerard Piqué has accomplished the miracle. What seemed like a true utopia a few weeks ago has become a reality. The Catalan central defender completed his second training session with the group on Monday and is clearly positioned to enter the list for the match against PSG. It will not be until the day of the game that the good news is confirmed: before the central will have one more training ahead. If the good feelings continue, Piqué could be discharged and enter the list.
Undoubtedly, the participation of Piqué would be a coup for the tie against PSG, especially since in no case was it planned to have the player for the first leg: the best forecasts placed him for the return in Paris. However, the evolution and predisposition of the player have been so spectacular that he could reappear three weeks earlier than the best forecasts pointed out.
The truth is that the sensations are unbeatable, although both technicians and doctors have been cautious at all times, ensuring that Piqué will only play if the risk is tolerable and in no case are they willing to force.
We must not forget that Piqué's injury was especially serious: He was diagnosed with a grade three sprain in the medial lateral ligament and partial tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee, forecasting a time of between three to four months if he opted for the conservative route and did not have surgery. The reality is that its evolution has been so spectacular that it could reappear in just over two and a half months.
The great unknown is to know, if after having been inactive for so long, the player has enough shooting and competition rhythm to face a very high demand game, although it is also true that the situation in defense is so precarious, that the return of Piqué would be received with open arms, both by technicians and colleagues.
Who will not finally be against PSG is Ronald Araújo. The Uruguayan center-back was tested on Sunday, but was able to verify that his ankle is still too unstable and the doctors ruled out infiltrating him. This Monday he no longer exercised with the group, so they will finally continue with the expected recovery periods that pointed to about three weeks off to recover his grade two sprain in his left ankle.
And the other great novelty in this Monday's session, which started fifteen minutes late, was the presence of Martin Braithwaite. The Danish forward, who was out in the last two games due to a muscle elongation, trained normally and his return for the game against PSG is guaranteed.
Apart from the loss of Araújo, Koeman will not be able to count on Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Philippe Coutinho, injured, for the return of the Champions League.