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March 9 (UPI) -- Brazilian striker Neymar Jr. will not play in the second leg of Paris Saint-German's Champions League round of 16 matchup against FC Barcelona on Wednesday due to a thigh injury, the French soccer team said Tuesday. "Neymar returned to partial training with the squad last week and will continue to work back to fitness individually," PSG said in a news release. "A new assessment will be made in the coming days."
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Neymar sustained the left thigh injury during PSG's French Cup round of 64 win over Caen on Feb. 10 in Caen, France.
PSG also said defender Juan Bernat and forward Moise Kean also are unavailable for Wednesday's Champions League round of 16 match. Bernat is recovering from an ACL injury. Kean remains in self-isolation due to COVID-19.
"It's not a decision, it's [Neymar's] physical condition, which means that Neymar cannot be in the best conditions to be competitive," PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters Tuesday.
"He made great efforts for this match, but also for the rest, to be there as quickly as possible. All the staff did a great job. He had a lot of hope for this meeting, but he especially wants to play for Paris Saint-Germain, in all competitions. It's a tough time, but he only needs a few days to get back and be in good shape."
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman also named his 22-man squad Tuesday for the second-leg game. Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati all were ruled out due to injuries.
PSG hosts Barcelona at 3 p.m. EST Wednesday in Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. PSG beat Barcelona 4-1 in the first leg of the matchup Feb. 16 in Barcelona.
