Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva is yet to play a game for PSG this season Getty

KEY POINTS

  • Pastore, Maxwell and the captain named in match day squad.
  • Serger Aurier also in contention to return but Ben Arfa and Kurzawa are left out.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery has revealed that Thiago Silva could be ready to return to action in the Champions League opener against Arsenal following a long-term spell on the side-lines.

The Brazil international has been named in the PSG squad for Tuesday's clash in the French capital but Hatem Ben Arfa and Layvin Kurzawa have been ommitted.

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Javier Pastore and Maxwell were considered doubts after they already missed the 1-1 draw against Saint-Etienne on Friday due to different injury concerns. But after training on Monday, Emery opted to include the duo along with Silva, with Serge Aurier also available.

Silva is yet to play a game this season after he suffered an injury during the pre-season 3-1 victory over Real Madrid on 27 July. However, the former Sevilla boss has suggested that he could be ready to lead his back-line against the Gunners as the Champions League opener is a game for "big players" like the Brazilian centre-back.

"We will decide after the final training session," Emery said in the press conference ahead of the game. "We will see how he feels. The most important thing is if he feels ready. He is a big player. If he feels good, it is a possibility. Big matches are for big players."

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Meanwhile, Pastore and Maxwell also missed the disappointing draw against Saint-Etienne on Friday due to different injury concerns. The playmaker was already withdrawn from the Argentinian squad during the recent international break due to an injury while Emery last week revealed that he had been forced to leave left-back also out of his squad for the Ligue 1 clash after he missed a couple of training sessions in the preparation of the game.

Yet, Emery has refused to rule them out for the game against Arsenal.

"The Monday training session will be important," the boss said. "There are doubts about Silva, Maxwell and Pastore but all players want to be involved. It is important."

Serge Aurier, meanwhile, recently ruled out himself for the Champions League visit of Arsenal after he sprained his ankle in the 3-1 loss to Monaco on 28 August, just before the international break. His inclusion is the matchday squad however could mean he is ready to return.

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