Paris Saint-Germain's manager, Luis Enrique, is eager for a fully fit squad as they approach the Ligue 1 winter break. PSG will face Metz at Stade Saint Symphorien in their last league match of 2025. Before the new year, they also have a Coupe de France game against Vendee Fontenay Foot. A derby with Paris FC is scheduled for January 4, and Enrique hopes to have all key players ready by then.
PSG's recent Champions League draw against Athletic Club saw them without key attackers Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. Lucas Chevalier, Achraf Hakimi, and Lucas Beraldo were also absent. Captain Marquinhos left the match early due to an adductor strain and won't return before Christmas. "I hope that after Christmas, we will have time to get the players
back," said Luis Enrique during a press conference.
A medical update from PSG confirmed that Dembele has resumed training after missing the midweek match due to flu symptoms. The Ballon d'Or winner has had a challenging season, starting only five games since the Club World Cup ended. Despite limited playtime, he has scored three goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances totaling 487 minutes.
"It's a shame for him and the team," Luis Enrique commented on Dembele's situation. "We couldn't see Ousmane in his normal condition during the first four months of the season. " He emphasized managing Dembele's recovery carefully as he resumes individual training sessions.
Metz goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer has faced six penalties this season, more than any other keeper in Europe's top leagues. He saved one penalty and prevented 1.2 goals according to Opta's xGoT model. Fischer needs to be at his best against PSG.
For PSG, Lee Kang-in is a player to watch. He scored against Metz on May 19, 2024, and has been involved in three goals in two matches against them (one goal, two assists). This marks his best record against any Ligue 1 team. Recently, Lee has started each of PSG's last four league games.
Match Prediction: PSG Favoured
Metz have lost their last 14 Ligue 1 matches against PSG and risk becoming only the second team to lose 15 consecutive matches against one opponent in Ligue 1 history. However, PSG have struggled recently against newly promoted sides away from home but remain confident given their strong end-of-year record.
This season, Metz have lost ten out of fifteen Ligue 1 matches (three wins, two draws). Only Le Havre avoided relegation after similar losses at this stage last season. Metz failed to score in four of seven home games this season, doubling last year's tally at this point.
Opta Win Probability
| Outcome | Probability |
|---|---|
| Metz Win | 11.9% |
| Paris Saint-Germain Win | 71.8% |
| Draw | 16.3% |
The statistics suggest that Metz are underdogs for this encounter with PSG having a significant chance of victory based on past performances and current form.
