Champions League: Will Neymar play in 2nd leg against Real Madrid? PSG manager answers

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Unai Emery has dismissed reports that forward Neymar will undergo surgery for a fractured metatarsal and said the Brazilian could play against Real Madrid in the Champions League next week.

Neymar suffered a broken foot and sprained ankle during Sunday's 3-1 Ligue 1 win over their arch-rivals Olympique de Marseille and was in tears as he was carried off at the Parc de Princes.

Media reports said the world's most expensive player would undergo surgery and be out for two months, returning to action a month before this year's World Cup in Russia.

"The information that Neymar will be operated is false," Emery told a news conference ahead of Wednesday's French Cup quarter-final against Marseille.

"I spoke with the doctor on Tuesday morning and he explained to me what the exams revealed. I also talked about it with (PSG sports director) Antero Henrique, the president and the player. Neymar is the first who wants to play every game. For Real Madrid, he is very focused. I think there is a small chance for him to be ready for the match."

PSG trail Real Madrid 3-1 ahead of the last 16 second-leg game in Paris on March 6. Neymar has scored 28 goals and provided 16 assists for PSG this season.

Ronaldo given night off

Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for Wednesday’s visit to Espanyol in La Liga.

The Portuguese forward was not named in the Spanish and European champions’ squad for the trip to Catalonia ahead of next week’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

Real’s top scorer in La Liga this season with 14 goals from 20 appearances, Ronaldo is in prolific form, netting 12 times in his last seven games in all competitions.

Club captain Sergio Ramos returns after missing Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Alaves, but midfielder Casemiro has been ruled out with a stomach problem.

Real sit third in the table on 51 points, seven behind city rivals Atletico Madrid and 14 adrift of leaders Barcelona.