Sergio Ramos will not face Real Madrid for Paris Saint-Germain in their round-of-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday, with the legendary defender still struggling in France
Video Unavailable
Pep Guardiola previews Sporting clash
Sergio Ramos has been denied the chance to say goodbye to Real Madrid for the second time.
The 35-year-old has been ruled out of Paris Saint-Germain ‘s clash with his former club in the Champions League round-of-16 on Tuesday through injury.
Ramos left Los Blancos after 16 years last summer, rejecting the offer of a new contract in favour of signing for Mauricio Pochettino ‘s side.
And due to Covid-19 restrictions, the defender was unable to receive a farewell at the Santiago Bernabeu like previous club legends.
On Monday, a statement on PSG’s website read: “Sergio Ramos will continue his individual training for his calf injury. A new evaluation will be made in a week.”
Join the debate! Who will go through – Real Madrid or PSG? Give us your prediction here .
(
Image:
REUTERS)
While he will not feature in the first leg of the heavyweight last-16 tie, Ramos is hoping to be fit for when the French giants travel to Spain ahead of the return leg next month.
When the draw was made back in December, which also pits Barcelona legend Lionel Messi against Real, the ex-Bernabeu captain admitted it would be an emotional reunion.
“You know the affection and love I have for Real Madrid,” Ramos explained. “Now it’s my turn to defend PSG and I’ll do everything possible to do it. It’s the team that bet on me. I’m going to die for PSG.
“I would have liked not to have that confrontation [with Real Madrid], but returning to the Santiago Bernabeu is cause for joy [because] I could not have a real farewell because of Covid restrictions.”
It has been a difficult season for the Spaniard, with injury meaning he has only played under Pochettino five times.
The PSG boss knows Ramos’ absence is a blow and has even labelled the 13-time Champions League winners as favourites in his pre-match news conference.
“There isn’t more pressure on one side or the other. I respect Real Madrid, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, which has won everything,” Pochettino said, via Get Football News France.
(
Image:
Getty Images)
“When you win, there’s always a combination of factors which mean that a club shows its strength. For me there are no favourites. It’s a round-of-16 tie which could be a final given the players and the quality.”
“Here in Paris, we aspire to win it. It would be a dream. We don’t have Real Madrid’s history or experience but we’re not going to play the victims either. I have faith in my squad.”
* Pick up tomorrow’s Daily Mirror and get a FREE £2 Shop Bet with William Hill which can be used on any of the sport action!
18 + Terms apply.
See tomorrow’s paper for your voucher.
Read More
Read More
