PSG's Marco Verratti may miss Manchester City clash

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti needs a “miracle” to face Manchester City in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg, according to manager Laurent Blanc.

Verratti has not played since injuring his groin during PSG's 4-1 Ligue 1 win at home to Reims on February 20.

PSG drew 2-2 with Man City in last week's first leg and the tie is delicately poised ahead of the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium.

The Italy midfielder has travelled with the 24-man PSG squad to Manchester but Blanc is not optimistic of his chances of playing.

"Marco Verratti is here because we decided to bring the whole squad," Blanc told his pre-match press conference.

"He's not been available for a month and a half. Everyone knows what condition he is in at the moment.

"After the first leg against Manchester City I told you certain things. You didn't believe me and you said it was too radical, that there must be something else to it.

"So I replied that for Marco Verratti to take the pitch in the return leg, it would need a miracle. So we'll wait until tomorrow and see if a miracle occurs tonight. That's where we are."

Verratti warmed up with the rest of his team-mates in the part of the pre-match training session open to the media, but then broke away to do individual exercises with a fitness coach.

PSG are already without centre-back David Luiz and central midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who are suspended after being booked in the first leg.