PSG v Real Madrid preview: Angel Di Maria to replace injured Neymar

Angel Di Maria is likely to replace the injured Neymar as PSG look to overturn a 3-1 deficit in their Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid.

The world's most expensive player had an operation on Saturday in Belo Horizonte on a small fracture to a metatarsal in his right foot and is now recovering with the aim of being back towards the end of the season.

Di Maria is likely to start for PSG against his former club, alongside Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani in a front three at the Parc des Princes.

"When one player is missing, it opens the door for someone else, and I know that whoever comes in through that door will do so with all their force," said PSG manager Unai Emery.

Real, 15 points off leaders Barcelona in La Liga, have rested the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in recent weeks ahead of the Champions League clash, as they look to retain their title for a second time.

Zinedine Zidane's side are looking to become the first team since Bayern Munich (1974 to 1976) to win Europe's elite competition for three years on the trot.

Team news

PSG are confident centre-back Marquinhos, midfielder Marco Verratti and both Mbappe and Cavani would be ready for the game after minor fitness concerns.

They all trained on Sunday, but Argentine Javier Pastore is a doubt.

Midfield duo Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have both been struggling with injury for Madrid, although they travelled to the French capital with the rest of Zidane's squad on Monday.

Opta stats

• 33 per cent of teams to have lost 3-1 away in the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie have progressed to the next round (4 out of 12), including three of the last four.
• PSG have eliminated Real Madrid in their two previous knockout encounters (1992/93 UEFA Cup, 1993/94 Cup Winners Cup), both times in the quarter-finals.
• However, Real Madrid are unbeaten in their three previous Champions League encounters with PSG (W2 D1), conceding only one goal.
• Real Madrid are the last team to stop PSG from scoring at the Parc des Princes in European competition, that was in October 2015 (0-0).
• Under Zidane, Real Madrid have won 11 of their 15 Champions League knockout games (D2 L2), lifting the trophy twice in as many seasons.

Charlie's prediction

I'll be covering this one on Soccer Special and I'm chuffed to bits. After the disaster that has been Arsenal's campaign, I've had a bit of a dull Champions League!

I know people get frustrated with Neymar and the way he rolls about but he's a superstar and more exciting to watch than Cristiano Ronaldo with the way he plays the game, so I'll miss him, as will PSG.

PSG could have been out of sight with the chances they had after taking the lead in Spain and I do expect them to win this in what I think it will be an exciting night.

The movement of Edinson Cavani is exceptional and without Neymar, who doesn't really get on with, I think this could be his night to shine and torment Sergio Ramos.

Charlie predicts: 2-0 and Cavani to score first (35/1 with Sky Bet)

Follow PSG v Real Madrid with our dedicated live blog from 6.30pm on Tuesday evening on SkySports.com.

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