With Kylian Mbappe Likely Out Of Champions League, PSG Pinning Hope On Mauro Icardi

Kylian Mbappe suffered an ankle injury during the French Cup final match Friday last week that will keep him out of action for at least three weeks. The French superstar got hurt as Paris Saint-Germain just started gearing up for the resumption of the Champions League in two weeks, and Mbappe will not be around.

PSG can only hope that the 21-year-old attacker will heal fast but if the images seen during the trophy ceremony for the club's win against Saint-Étienne are of any indications, Mbappe is unlikely to take part in the European campaign of his side.

CNN reported Mbappe limped while walking and had to use crutches and a protective boot on his injured foot.

In a statement, the Parisians confirmed that Mbappe suffered "an ankle sprain with damage to the external ligament."

"The player is expected to be sidelined for approximately three weeks," the French club was reported as saying.

PSG manager Thomas Tuchel knew that Mbappe getting sidelined at this time is a big blow for his side. The Parisians are shooting for a quadruple in the ongoing campaign and two trophies have been collected so far with two more to go.

The club is lined up to slug it out with Lyon on Friday for the Coupe de la Ligue final and the German boss admitted that Mbappe, who is PSG's top scorer in the season with 18 goals in Ligue 1 matches, will be sorely missed.

But most unfortunately, the prolific goalscorer is unlikely to suit up in time for PSG's game against Atalanta on August 12. Truth is, Tuchel seemed resigned that his top marksman will not be available for the duration of the UCL campaign.

"We still hope [he can play against Atalanta], but the chances will be very, very small. Every day counts to achieve a miracle ... We will have to adapt without Kylian," Goal reported the PSG head coach as saying.

The adjustments that the boss hinted will likely involve Mauro Icardi stepping up for the injured Mbappe, and Tuchel seemed quite confident that the Argentine striker will rise to the occasion. The manager said Icardi is strong and disciplined, and in obvious top form in the season.

Icardi has impressed with 20 goals cleared in all competitions and Tuchel said he expects more revelations from the 27-year-old.

"He will improve and he can play better. He works a lot defensively, he is disciplined, he is important for us," Tuchel said.

Most importantly, Tuchel noted that Icardi works well with Angel Di Maria, Neymar, and Mbappe so the Argentine should do great stepping up for his injured teammate.