Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 5y

Dani Alves, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting both 7/10 but Neymar injured in PSG's cup win

Paris Saint-Germain are into the Coupe de France round of 16 after a 2-0 win over Strasbourg at Parc des Princes on Wednesday courtesy of Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Maria goals.

However, Neymar's second-half injury and tears as he made his way off will have coach Thomas Tuchel worried about his star man's fitness ahead of the Champions League clash with Manchester United next month.

Positives

The result, as it means that PSG take another step toward defending their title and making it five consecutive wins. Otherwise, it was a performance that perhaps was worthy of more goals but did not get the same glut as last weekend at home to Guingamp in Ligue 1.

Negatives

Neymar coming off injured is obviously the dominant worry, particularly as it appears to be a problem with his right foot, which was operated on last year. Tuchel will be hoping that tests do not reveal any significant damage and that the Brazil international will not face a race against time for United.

Manager rating out of 10

6 -- Tuchel went with a rotated starting XI and was rewarded with a creative display from his team, even if the finishing was not always there. The German tactician's decision to rest Kylian Mbappe but utilise Neymar will almost certainly come in for scrutiny.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Alphonse Areola, 6 -- Alert when he needed to be; he made a couple of important saves to earn his clean sheet.

DF Thilo Kehrer, 6 -- Despite a late booking, it was a solid showing from him on the right side of the defence.

DF Marquinhos, 6 -- Paired well with Thiago Silva at the back and helped the defence keep a deserved clean sheet.

DF Thiago Silva (c), 6 -- He and Marquinhos did not have to excel to keep Strasbourg at bay, although Areola was tested from time to time -- mostly from distance.

DF Juan Bernat, 6 -- Far more consistent now than he was at the start of his PSG career; it was another measured display on the left.

MF Angel Di Maria, 6 -- Took his goal well and was always probing for holes to open up in the Strasbourg defence. PSG could and perhaps should have scored more.

MF Dani Alves, 7 -- Continues to emerge as a serious option for Tuchel in the middle until midfield reinforcements arrive -- if they arrive at all.

MF Julian Draxler, 6 -- Conjured up a brilliant assist for Di Maria but could have done with applying himself more at times.

MF Neymar, 7 -- A constant threat for Strasbourg while he was on the pitch. Him being forced off was the last thing that Tuchel will have wanted after Marco Verratti's recent injury.

FW Edinson Cavani, 7 -- It was an eventful night for the Uruguayan, Cavani scoring the opening goal from a brilliant Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting pass before picking up a second-half booking. He could have added to his early tally.

FW Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, 7 -- A sublime assist for Cavani and a fine performance that perhaps merited better than he got.

Substitutes

MF Moussa Diaby, 6 -- Lively when sent on for Neymar with 28 minutes to play, he continues to represent one of Tuchel's favourite substitute options.

MF Christopher Nkunku, N/R -- Given four minutes toward the end, he will have hoped for more to earn a January move away, and Tuchel could have granted him that.

FW Jese, N/R -- Although he did not touch the ball, his return to action at the Parc des Princes after the best part of two years away represents a victory for a troubled but talented player.

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