Laurent Blanc has confirmed that Thiago Motta will not be taking any part in Paris Saint-Germain's Trophee des Champions clash with Lyon on Saturday due to a groin injury - not because the player wants to leave.
Motta is being linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid after the Italian claimed that he wants to "start a new cycle" in his career.
However, Blanc has stated that Motta will not be taking part because of a groin injury, while the Argentine duo Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi have been given an extended holiday due to their involvement in the Copa America earlier this summer.
"I do not think that Argentines will attend the game tomorrow. They arrived late," the PSG boss told reporters.
"Motta, meanwhile, has a groin injury. He will not participate in tomorrow's match. But can be confident due to our good preparation.
"However, we know that Lyon are also well prepared. But have players who can make a difference individually and I hope that all of them will face Lyon tomorrow."
PSG are also on the verge of adding another Argentine midfielder to their squad, as Angel di Maria is reportedly close to completing his move to the French side.
Sam McEvoy
