PSG boss Thomas Tuchel wary of putting extra pressure on Kylian Mbappe in Neymar absence

Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel doesn’t expect Kylian Mbappe to take on Neymar‘s responsibilities during the Brazilian’s injury absence.

Neymar is likely to be sidelined until April after breaking a bone in his foot during a French Cup tie against Strasbourg last month.

It means the 27-year-old will miss both legs of PSG’s Champions League last-16 tie with Manchester United.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel is wary of piling too much pressure on Kylian Mbappe during Neymar’s absence with a broken foot

Neymar injured a metatarsal in his right foot during PSG’s cup match against Strasbourg

In Neymar’s absence, PSG lost their first league match of the season, 2-1 to Lyon, on Sunday evening.

But Tuchel is wary of piling too much pressure on 20-year-old Mbappe, who has scored 22 goals in 25 matches this season, by changing his role.

‘I usually prefer Kylian to be the finisher – when he’s our last line of attack against the opposing defence,’ Tuchel said.

‘He’s incredibly dangerous because of his pace and his hunger to score goals.

‘I don’t want him to take on Neymar’s responsibilities of providing assists and keeping possession in the last few yards.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel is wary of loading too much pressure onto 20-year-old Mbappe

The French striker has scored 22 goals in 25 matches for the Parisians so far this season

‘We have players that are able to do it – players who can support Kylian and Edi [Cavani] and provide them with the right pass.

‘Both strikers need to be the finishers, that’s the most important thing.’

PSG return to action on Wednesday with a visit to third division Villefranche in the French Cup.