PSG vs. Aston Villa: Key Absences and Team News for Super Cup Clash

Aston Villa will be without several key players for their upcoming match against PSG. Goalkeeper Dibu Martinez, along with players Konsa and Watkins, are unavailable as they require further rest after their World Cup commitments with Argentina and England, respectively. Additionally, Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana is sidelined due to a serious injury sustained during the World Cup. New signing Manzambi, who impressed during the World Cup with Switzerland, is also out with an injury.

Meanwhile, PSG has a full squad available for training. Akliouche and Digne are participating in sessions, as is Barcola. Goalkeepers Longoni, Chevalier, and Safonov are also present. The team began their training session with a 'toro' drill.

Approximately 7,000 PSG supporters are expected to attend the match in Salzburg, including around 500 members of the Collectif Ultras Paris.

Following the press conference, PSG manager Luis Enrique will lead his team's final training session ahead of the European Super Cup clash against Aston Villa. Despite a condensed preparation period, Paris is ambitious and aims to secure their first trophy of the 2026-2027 season, with aspirations of a treble in the Champions League.

Luis Enrique expressed his gratitude for his motivated players, stating they don't require additional motivation and continuously strive for improvement. Regarding the starting lineup against Aston Villa and the potential departure of Barcola, Enrique indicated that decisions would be made after Tuesday's training session, emphasizing his focus on the team rather than individual players.

The coach acknowledged the unusual pre-season situation, with many players returning late from international duty. He stated that while the preparation has been challenging, the team is focused on performing at their best and aims to win despite the circumstances, noting that being in this position signifies a successful previous season. He expressed uncertainty about his players' immediate form but is confident in their ability to compete in a top-level match.

When asked about comments regarding Infantino and the UEFA crisis, Enrique declined to comment, stating it was not the appropriate forum and that his focus remains on his players and work.

On the topic of potential transfers and Spanish football, Enrique reiterated that he only discusses players currently at PSG. He praised the consistent high level of Spanish football and expressed hope for continued success for the national team, referencing the impact of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side.

Reflecting on past encounters with Aston Villa, Enrique highlighted the team's ability to improve and adapt against different opponents. He stressed the importance of being unpredictable and maintaining the drive to win trophies from the start of the season.

Enrique acknowledged the challenge of assessing player form after a short pre-season, especially with players returning at different times. He emphasized the importance of winning European trophies and expressed anticipation for the match.

He also touched upon the difficulty of managing player minutes with two immediate cup finals, noting that the team's goal is to be in peak condition at the end of the season, not necessarily at the beginning.

Regarding the ambition of winning the Champions League, Enrique confirmed it as a significant objective. He acknowledged the historical difficulty of consistently winning and emphasized the need to prove their level on the field, aiming to be among the elite teams that achieve such feats.

Enrique stated he is rested and ready for the new season, with players gradually returning to training. He views starting the season with a final as a positive sign of last year's success and is focused on performance.

Marquinhos recalled a crucial past match in Salzburg, emphasizing the team's ambition to win and the positive impact it had on their season. He expressed excitement about the supporters' presence and the desire to bring the trophy home.

Regarding Lucas Digne, Marquinhos mentioned that while Digne hasn't extensively discussed his time at Aston Villa with the players, the coach will provide the necessary tactical guidance. He spoke fondly of Digne's journey and expressed happiness at his return, considering him part of his own history at the club.

Marquinhos stressed the importance of forgetting past results to maintain a hunger for victory. He believes each match offers experience and that the team is well-equipped to face any opponent, utilizing past experiences, including difficult ones, as motivation.

He attributed the team's growing confidence in the Champions League to the club's philosophy and the coach's clear messaging. He noted the team's aggressive pressing style and their ability to perform well away from home, emphasizing the coach's successful communication of high standards.

Marquinhos highlighted his role as captain in integrating new players, emphasizing the team's open and welcoming environment. He aims to instill the club's ambitions and philosophy in newcomers from day one.

He described Luis Enrique as ambitious and clear in his expectations, ensuring players understand their roles. He acknowledged the initial challenge of reaching peak form but stressed the team's desire to win titles and continue making history.

Marquinhos confirmed the team's objective of winning the treble, acknowledging the significant challenges involved. He stated that despite recent successes, the path to trophies is difficult, and the team will take it step by step, starting with the Super Cup. He emphasized the players' hunger and dedication, with some individuals preparing during their holidays to be ready for the upcoming matches.

Regarding Kvara's form, Marquinhos mentioned his impressive performance in training and expressed hope for another outstanding season from him, which would benefit the team.

Vitinha stated that the players have had sufficient rest after the World Cup and are ready for the upcoming matches, with their focus squarely on the Super Cup.

He expressed his belief that the Ballon d'Or should be awarded to a PSG player, highlighting Kvara, Ousmane, and Fabian as strong contenders due to their excellent seasons and achievements. He also acknowledged other notable players like Kane and Mbappé but reiterated his preference for a PSG player.

Vitinha emphasized the importance of a "reset" and forgetting past achievements to maintain motivation and consistency throughout the season.

He recalled the previous Champions League match against Aston Villa, acknowledging the difficulty, particularly in the second leg. He stressed the significance of the Super Cup match, recognizing the limited opportunities to play in such a final during a career.

Vitinha mentioned speaking with Digne but not specifically about Aston Villa. He stated that while they know Aston Villa, every season presents new challenges, and playing against them is always difficult.

He described Kvara as being in good form and expressed anticipation for his potential eagerness to play after missing the World Cup.

Vitinha acknowledged the short preparation period but expressed confidence in his and the team's readiness for the Super Cup match, vowing to do their best to secure a victory.

He stated that the team maintains the same hunger for titles as the previous year, despite the challenges, and is determined to win more trophies.

Vitinha and Marquinhos have arrived for the press conference.

The press conference is about to begin, with Luis Enrique, Vitinha, and Marquinhos expected to address the media.

Luis Enrique expressed his pleasure at being back and acknowledged the unusual pre-season due to the staggered return of players from the World Cup. He emphasized the team's goal of being competitive throughout the year, starting with the Super Cup. He highlighted the importance of controlling possession and expressed hope for a competitive performance similar to the previous season, aiming for an unforgettable year with the supporters.

The PSG press conference is imminent, with Vitinha, Marquinhos, and Luis Enrique expected to attend.

The article includes a list of the last 26 UEFA Super Cup winners, noting Real Madrid as the most successful team in this period with six titles.

The PSG players have arrived at their hotel in Salzburg, appearing in good spirits after their journey.

The upcoming match holds special significance for Lucas Digne, who recently joined PSG from Aston Villa. While his participation is not guaranteed due to his recent return to training, his experience with the English club adds an interesting subplot to the Super Cup clash.

There are approximately 30 minutes remaining until the PSG press conference, with Marquinhos, Vitinha, and Luis Enrique scheduled to speak at 4:30 PM.

Luis Enrique has openly expressed his ambition to win a third consecutive Champions League title with PSG, aiming to emulate the success of Real Madrid. However, the immediate focus is on securing the European Super Cup.

Aston Villa's pre-season involved six friendly matches, resulting in three wins and three losses. Their preparation included matches against various opponents, with notable losses against Porto, Real Sociedad, and Bayern Munich.

PSG's pre-season consisted of two friendly matches. They suffered a significant defeat against Mallorca (3-0) but secured a respectable 1-1 draw against Manchester United, with a goal from Ibrahim Mbaye.

The PSG squad has arrived safely in Austria for their Super Cup fixture. The press conference is scheduled for 4:30 PM, followed by the team's training session.

PSG will be aiming to win another final to kick off their season, having started the previous campaign with a Super Cup victory against Tottenham. This year, they face a quick succession of finals, first against Aston Villa and then against Lens.

Marquinhos and Vitinha will join Luis Enrique at the press conference to discuss the upcoming Super Cup match.

The schedule for the Parisians includes a press conference at 4:30 PM, followed by their training session in Salzburg.

Luis Enrique will have his full squad available for the opening match of the season, including recent signings Digne and Akliouche, and players returning from international duty.

Welcome to RMC Sport for live updates on the European Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, kicking off this Wednesday at 9 PM in Salzburg.