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Koeman says Pique, out since November, could return against PSG

Barcelona, Feb 15 (efe-epa).- Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman said he may start defender Gerard Pique for Tuesday’s Champions League round of 16 first leg match against Paris Saint Germain.

The veteran center back has been sidelined with a knee injury since November.

“Gerard is doing all right. He has been training for four or five days now with the team. We have good feelings about his physical state and I have one more day to decide if he will be part of the squad because he has been out for a while. We’ll talk about it and we shall make a decision tomorrow morning,” the Dutchman said.

Koeman emphasized his team is very motivated to play PSG, although he acknowledged that it will be a very tough clash against the French champions and last season’s Champions League runners-up.

“We face these two matches with a lot of ambition. We have improved our game and we have a lot of trust in ourselves against a tough team like PSG,” he added.

Regarding opponent Neymar’s injury-enforced absence, he said he believes in protecting big stars such as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or the Brazilian former Barcelona striker.

“Referees should watch out for these players, but this is a sport with a lot of contact (…). Soccer still is a physical sport,” Koeman said. EFE

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