PSG's Pochettino 'hopeful' over stomach-bug victim Neymar for Marseille

Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Saturday he is optimistic Neymar will feature in the weekend’s trip to arch-rivals Marseille despite the Brazil attacker suffering from a stomach bug

PSG head to the Velodrome on Sunday for the 100th meeting between the outfits and three points off leaders Lille, who travel to Nantes earlier on.

“Neymar’s suffering from gastroenteritis, like a lot of people can suffer from. We will assess his state tomorrow, and we hope he will recover enough to be in the squad,” Pochettino told a press conference.

While the world’s most expensive player could still make it PSG will definitely be missing goalkeeper Keylor Navas who has an adductor issue and Thimothee Pembele who has contracted Covid-19.

Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has recovered from the virus but Spain playmaker Ander Herrera remains sidelined for the tie against a side in turmoil.

Marseille are without a win in a month, supporters invaded the training complex and coach Andre Villas-Boas resigned in midweek.