Lucas Digne left out of PSG squad for Monaco clash by Luis Enrique
Lucas Digne’s return to Paris Saint-Germain has stalled after Luis Enrique left the 33-year-old defender out of the matchday group for Friday’s Ligue 1 meeting with Monaco, despite PSG being short of recognised left-backs.
A difficult early verdict for Digne
The France international joined PSG from Aston Villa during the summer and signed terms running to 2029, but he has made little progress in the opening weeks of his second spell at the Parc des Princes.
His exclusion for the Monaco fixture has been described as a decision made for “sporting reasons”. It follows limited involvement in the first two league rounds and points to Luis Enrique’s dissatisfaction with Digne’s early performances.
Digne did not leave the bench when PSG opened their Ligue 1 campaign against Rennes. He then received his first competitive minutes against Lille, entering in the 71st minute with the champions 2-0 behind. PSG recovered a point through goals in the first and fifth minutes of added time, but Digne’s contribution in that comeback was not enough to secure his place for the following match.
Selection becomes more notable amid Mendes absence
The decision is particularly significant because Nuno Mendes, PSG’s established first-choice left-back, remains unavailable domestically. The Portugal international was sent off against Lens in the Trophée des Champions before the league season began and must miss the opening three Ligue 1 games.
Mendes’ suspension appeared to offer Digne a clear route into the side. Instead, Luis Enrique has used Lucas Beraldo and Lucas Hernandez, both naturally central defenders capable of operating on the left, in the position.
- Digne arrived from Aston Villa in the summer on a contract through 2029.
- He was an unused substitute for PSG’s league opener against Rennes.
- He came on after 71 minutes against Lille with PSG trailing by two goals, before the side drew through late stoppage-time strikes.
- With Mendes suspended, Beraldo and Hernandez have been preferred at left-back.
- Digne has now been omitted entirely for Friday’s Monaco match.
What the Monaco omission indicates
- Digne has not yet established himself in Luis Enrique’s plans despite PSG’s lack of a specialist senior left-back.
- The coach has favoured defensive versatility over the former Aston Villa player’s experience in the role.
- The Monaco game represents a further setback after Digne’s restricted minutes in PSG’s first two league fixtures.
- PSG, the reigning French champions, must continue without Mendes for the final match of his three-game league ban.
Aston Villa also endure a poor opening
Digne’s former club have begun their Premier League season badly under Unai Emery. Aston Villa were beaten 4-0 by Brighton in their opening match before losing 1-0 to Arsenal in their next outing.
