Vitinha
POR
Tempo of Portugal's engine room
Vitinha has been named in Portugal's World Cup squad but first faces the enormous challenge of Saturday's Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest with PSG.
Analysis: Vitinha recorded one goal and seven assists across 29 Ligue 1 appearances this season, establishing himself as one of the best deep-lying playmakers in European football through his technical excellence and ability to control the tempo of matches from the base of midfield. The midfielder is expected to be a key figure in Portugal's midfield alongside Joao Neves, with the two PSG teammates bringing a club understanding and chemistry to the national team setup that manager Martinez will be eager to exploit throughout the tournament. Vitinha heads into the World Cup off the back of the biggest game of his club career, and performing well in Budapest by winning a second Champions League title in a row would be the perfect confidence boost heading into what promises to be an exciting international summer.
Starting Tuesday
Vitinha (heel) is in the starting XI for Tuesday's match against Bayern Munich.
Analysis: Vitinha was likely to make the team sheet Tuesday after training Monday and has done even better, as the midfielder is starting immediately. This is a major return for the club as they prepare to face the German giants, as he has started in all 14 of his UCL appearances while recording six goals and one assist.
Trains Monday, set to start Tuesday
Vitinha (heel) returned to full team training Monday and is on track to start Tuesday's Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich, according to the club.
Analysis: Vitinha had been training on his own to manage the right heel inflammation that sidelined him for the last two matches, but his return to team training Monday is the strongest indication yet that he is good to go for PSG's biggest match of the season. The Portuguese midfielder is a key piece in coach Luis Enrique's engine room and his availability for Tuesday's showdown is a major lift, especially after Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves and Lucas Beraldo filled in during his absence. Vitinha should return directly to the starting squad against the Bavarians now that he received the green light.
Heel improving, aims Bayern clash
Vitinha is progressing well in his recovery from a right heel inflammation and continues individual work, with the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich on Tuesday the clear priority target for his return, according to the club.
Analysis: Vitinha won't be risked for the Angers fixture with the Bayern clash firmly in mind, and the positive update on his heel suggests he is on track to be available for the biggest game of PSG's season. The Portuguese midfielder is one of coach Luis Enrique's most important players in the engine room and getting him fit for the Allianz Arena showdown is the club's absolute priority, with Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves and Lucas Beraldo having covered in midfield during his absence.
Sidelined with heel inflammation
Vitinha (heel) suffered an inflammation of the right heel following a knock sustained during the match against Lyon and will remain under treatment in the coming days, according to the club.
Analysis: Vitinha's status will be reassessed at the end of the week, making him unlikely to feature in Wednesday's clash against Nantes and leaving his availability for the April 25 clash against Angers also in doubt. The Portuguese midfielder is one of the most important players in the engine room, and his potential absence would represent a significant blow. Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves and Lucas Beraldo are among the options expected to see increased minutes in midfield if Vitinha is unavailable.
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