Manchester United could face a depleted Paris Saint-Germain side on Saturday, with several of Luis Enrique’s biggest names yet to complete their post-World Cup return.
Michael Carrick’s side face the reigning European champions in Gothenburg as their pre-season preparations continue.
However, PSG deliberately staggered the return of players involved in the latter stages of this summer’s World Cup.
According to L’Equipe, Fabián Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Lucas Hernandez were all granted extended breaks following their international commitments.
That leaves their involvement against United uncertain.
Man Utd could face changed PSG side
Ruiz went all the way with eventual world champions Spain, while PSG’s French contingent remained at the tournament until the third-place play-off on 18 July.
L’Equipe reported that players who reached the closing stages would receive a minimum three-week break.
Saturday’s friendly therefore arrives at an awkward point in PSG’s preparation, particularly for the France internationals.
That could leave Luis Enrique relying heavily on the group which returned earlier to pre-season as he balances the United game with next week’s UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa.
Carrick has had considerably longer to work with much of his squad.
United have already faced Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atlético Madrid this summer, while several late-returning internationals have gradually rejoined the group.
ReadManUtd recently looked at how Carrick’s transfer strategy is taking shape ahead of the new campaign, but Saturday should also provide another useful measure of the work already completed on the training pitch.
PSG will still provide a major test regardless of the players available.
Yet United may not come up against anything close to Luis Enrique’s strongest XI, giving Carrick an opportunity to build further momentum before competitive football returns.
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