Paris Saint-Germain suffered a tough defeat against Inter Milan in a friendly match played at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday. The Italian side staged a dramatic comeback to upset Luis Enrique’s side and claim a 2-1 victory. Once again, Neymar stayed on the sidelines for PSG’s third straight pre-season game.
The mere presence of the Brazilian on the bench aroused the enthusiasm of the supporters present in the stadium, who cheered him on each appearance on the giant screen. However, the player did not step onto the pitch as his long-awaited return to the activity drags on.
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Neymar’s wait continues
Neymar’s last official appearance with PSG dates back to February 19, in a match against Lille in the Ligue 1. An ankle injury ruled him out of the game, as he had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. A few days later, the club said his season was over as Ney had to undergo surgery.
After a long rehab, his satisfactory physical condition when reporting to pre-season in July, along with signs of recovery from his injury, led to his participation in the pre-season tour of Japan, unlike other injured players at the club. For the first time in months, the 31-year-old was seen in football gear again.
A concerning record for PSG in the pre-season tour
In total, Paris Saint-Germain have played four friendlies during this pre-season, including the loss against Inter Milan. Previous results include a 2-0 win over Le Havre, a 0-0 draw with Al-Nassr and a 3-2 loss to Cerezo Ozaka. Neymar didn’t suit up in the first game and stayed on the bench for the other three.
PSG lose to Inter: Match report
In the first half, PSG were relatively superior with nine shot attempts to Inter Milan’s three, but neither of them could break the deadlock. The best chance came from attacking midfielder Asensio, whose effort hit the post.
The Italian outfit tried to take the lead early in the second half with a better attacking presence. However, it was the French side that put itself in front thanks to a superb long shot from midfielder Vitinha, following an assist from Soler. Goalkeeper Stankovic couldn’t do anything to prevent that ball from going in.
The Nerazzurri managed to equalize in the 81st minute thanks to a low cross shot from Esposito, following a fine move on the right side.
A similar situation took place only two minutes later during a counter-attack concluded by the midfielder Sensi at close range.
Paris Saint-Germain will play a last friendly match before the start of the 2023/24 campaign against South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors on Thursday (3). The reigning Ligue 1 champs will play their first official match of the season on August 13 against Lorient.
