Kylian Mbappe set to play for PSG just 10 DAYS after France’s World Cup final defeat to Argentina

Kylian Mbappe is expected to return to action for Paris Saint-Germain against Strasbourg on Wednesday, just 10 days after France’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina in the World Cup final. 

Mbappe became just the second men’s player ever to score a hat-trick in the final, and also scored from the spot in the shoot-out, but France were beaten 4-2 on on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

The World Cup Golden Boot winner chose to return to PSG training just 64 hours after the final in Qatar, despite being offered the chance to have 10 days off to recover from the tournament.

Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final but France were beaten in a penalty shootout

Mbappe could make a swift return for PSG with the French champions considering involving him in their Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on Wednesday, according to L’Equipe.

Lionel Messi is not expected to return to PSG training until the start of January after the Argentina captain led his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar.

Messi scored twice and again in the penalty shoot-out to help Argentina triumph.

A date has not yet been decided for his return, but the French giants are reportedly in regular contact with the star.

Messi has enjoyed Christmas in Argentina with his family following the World Cup and the resulting celebrations in the nation. 

Lionel Messi (centre) is not expected to return for PSG until January after lifting the World Cup

PSG are reportedly wary of granting a request for Messi to parade the World Cup around the club’s stadium due to a possible backlash.

The 35-year-old is expected to extend his PSG stay after reportedly agreeing a renewal of his contract until 2024. 

PSG are evaluating the prospect of including Mbappe against Strasbourg, but will not rush the return of their World Cup stars.

Mbappe earned praise from Christophe Galtier last week, with the PSG boss claiming his return to training was a ‘strong signal to everyone’, as well as highlighting his outstanding displays at the World Cup.

The superstar forward scored eight goals and laid on two assists during the World Cup, where he proved a talisman in France’s attempts to win back-to-back titles.

Neymar is back in training following Brazil’s quarter-final exit at the World Cup in Qatar

Mbappe signed a lucrative new contract with PSG in May but there have been reports linking him with a move away from the French capital after not seeing eye-to-eye with Galtier. 

The 24-year-old aimed a dig at Galtier in October after becoming unhappy at being used as a centre-forward, and the PSG manager was subsequently forced to rubbish rumours that he wants to leave in January. 

Mbappe was in fine form before the World Cup, scoring 19 goals and adding five assists in just 20 games in all competitions. 

Brazil duo Neymar and Marquinhos, as well as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, could also be involved against Strasbourg following their involvement at the World Cup.

Neymar and Marquinhos returned to training on Thursday following Brazil’s quarter-final exit on penalties to Croatia.

Marquinhos missed his penalty in the shoot-out defeat, while Neymar did not take his spot-kick as he was in line to take Brazil’s fifth, only for Croatia to wrap up victory beforehand.

Achraf Hakimi could also feature as PSG return to Ligue 1 action on Wednesday night

Hakimi was a vital part of the history-making Morocco squad at the World Cup, as they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of the tournament.

Morocco saw their dream run ended by France in the semi-finals, with Mbappe having comforted his close friend following the match.

PSG will hope to maintain their unbeaten record in Ligue 1 when they face Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes.

The reigning champions are currently five points clear of second placed Lens, who they meet on January 1 in a top of the table clash.