On the eve of Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash between Metz and Paris Saint-Germain, the first lineup trends are beginning to emerge ahead of Matchday 16 (kick-off at 7:00 p.m. local time). On the PSG side, Luis Enrique will have to deal with several absences but welcomes back goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
Coming just days after Wednesday night’s 0–0 draw in Bilbao and with the Intercontinental Cup final scheduled for next Wednesday in Qatar, the Metz vs PSG fixture is expected to prompt some rotation. Luis Enrique could choose to rest several key players who have logged heavy minutes in recent weeks, including Warren Zaïre-Emery and Vitinha.
The Spanish coach will also remain without Achraf Hakimi, who is currently in Morocco continuing his recovery and preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations. Ousmane Dembélé, who fell ill earlier in the week and missed the match in Bilbao, has only resumed individual training. The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is included in the latest medical update and will be unavailable for Saturday’s trip to Metz, likely as a precaution ahead of next week’s Intercontinental Cup final.
“He was ill over the last few days. He has resumed training individually and now needs to begin his recovery. We have to be careful,” Luis Enrique explained during Friday’s press conference.
Safonov or Chevalier to Start?
There is better news in goal. Lucas Chevalier has fully recovered from the right ankle injury he sustained against Monaco nearly two weeks ago. The French goalkeeper no longer appears on the medical report, and Luis Enrique confirmed that he trained normally on Friday and is fit to play.
The PSG coach will now have a decision to make between Chevalier — whom he has consistently trusted when available — and Matvey Safonov, who delivered solid performances in his recent starts against Rennes and Athletic Bilbao.
Where to Watch Metz vs PSG (USA)
- Local Time (France): Saturday, December 13 — 4:00 PM CET
- US Eastern Time: 10:00 AM ET
- US Pacific Time: 7:00 AM PT
US Broadcast Options:
• Fanatiz USA
• beIN Sports
• beIN Sports Connect
• beIN Sports en Español
• fuboTV