Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc admits Zlatan Ibrahimovic will play against Lens on Saturday in order to ensure he is ready to face Chelsea in the Champions League.
The Swedish striker has missed PSG’s last two games due to a domestic suspension but will face Lens in order to get match-fit for the trip to Stamford Bridge on March 11.
PSG need to score in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie after the two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg, with Branislav Ivanovic’s opener cancelled out by an Edison Cavani strike.
Blanc has indicated he is planning to rest players ahead of Wednesday’s vital game in west London, but he will give Ibrahimovic the change to regain full fitness against Lens.
“He is ready. We have had him working while he was out suspended and he has had a good break, which he needed,” said Blanc.
“Now he needs to play, and the match against Lens is a good thing for him as it will give him a taste of competition before Chelsea.”
Blanc also stated that Thiago Motta is ready to return after recovering from a calf problem and should feature in the game.
PSG can go top of Ligue 1 temporarily with a victory over a struggling Lens side who sit second bottom of the table. The hosts are 1.20 to get all three points, while Lens are priced at 11.06 and the draw is 6.40.
The Parisians are on a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions and will look to continue their impressive momentum going into a pivotal Champions League game in midweek.
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