Paris Saint-Germain kick off their season on Wednesday with the Super Cup against Aston Villa. The club, now double European champions, will not leave any crumbs for their opponents. The start of a new marathon season for Luis Enrique's men, some of whom have only returned on Monday, three weeks after the end of the World Cup.
Which players are ready for the Super Cup ?
The Paris Saint-Germain should be able to count on their two major summer signings: striker Maghnes Akliouche, from Monaco, and defender Lucas Digne, former Villan back in the Parisian capital. But some players like Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been able to rest this summer, due to their nation's failure to qualify for the World Cup.
A more challenging test than last year
The challenge is even greater this year, with a later return for players who participated in the 2026 World Cup until its final weekend (July 18-19). Fabian Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola have only returned to the Paris Saint-Germain campus in Poissy on Monday: nothing guarantees their presence on Wednesday in Austria. Other internationals, like Portuguese players Joao Neves, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes or Brazilian player Marquinhos, have already resumed training for a week.
What does this mean for Luis Enrique ?
Luis Enrique must juggle the playing time of his leaders, to avoid the physical problems that multiplied last autumn. An obstacle that has not prevented Paris Saint-Germain from lifting the titles (Ligue 1, Ligue des champions, Coupe intercontinentale, trophée des Champions, Supercoupe d'Europe) but which requires a permanent balancing act to manage the squad over the long term.
