Lionel Messi has missed Paris Saints-Germain’s (PSG) last two games with a minor knee problem. He has not yet scored for his new club and has only made three appearances since arriving from Barcelona at the start of August, completing 90 just once, while on the other hand, the Italian midfielder, Marco Verratti missed four games with a knee injury.

However, PSG’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that both stars will be available for selection in today’s UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City. “We will confirm the starting 11 tomorrow,” said coach Mauricio Pochettino in the news conference when asked about Messi and Verratti. “But I think both they will be in the squad tomorrow.”

He added that Messi, who joined the French club on a two-year contract from Barcelona, would need time to adjust in Paris. “He did 20 years in Barcelona, it’s normal he felt at home there and here, everything is new for him.

He did not arrive a long time ago,” said Pochettino. According to Pochettino, Angel Di Maria would not be added in that mix as the Argentine is currently serving a Champions League ban following his red card against City last season.

PSG have only one point after their 1-1 draw at Club Brugge, two behind City who hammered RB Leipzig 6-3 in the opening round matches. Both clubs are expected to advance from the group to the last 16, but a defeat for PSG at the Parc des Princes would leave them in a potentially difficult situation already and maybe even raise the unthinkable prospect of a group-stage exit.