Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola will remain excluded from the squad while awaiting a transfer to Liverpool.
The 21-year-old France international agreed contract terms with Liverpool several weeks ago, but negotiations between the two clubs have progressed slowly.
Barcola has not played a single minute of official competition this season. He was left out of the European Super Cup final victory over English side Aston Villa and remained sidelined for Sunday's Trophée des Champions match against Lens at Bollaert.
During the fixture at Bollaert, the former Lyon attacker sat in the stands directly in front of Zinedine Zidane, who was recently appointed as his manager for the France national team.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique maintains a strict management rule of selecting only players who are 100 percent committed to his squad. Barcola appeared distracted and closed off following the win over Aston Villa five days ago, prompting his exclusion from team activities.
Squad Protection and Contract Negotiations
The winger is expected to miss PSG's opening Ligue 1 fixture against Stade Rennais at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. Youth forward Ibrahim Mbaye faces the same situation, as he also seeks a move to Liverpool before the transfer window closes.
Paris Saint-Germain management maintains that keeping Barcola out of the squad is not a disciplinary measure, but a precaution to safeguard a player facing an uncertain future.
An internal club source told French newspaper L'Equipe that the decision was taken by Luis Enrique because Barcola is not fully focused. The source stated that the club treats Barcola like a son and wants to protect him, noting that research shows players face a higher risk of injury when mentally unsettled.
Valuation and Transfer Window Prospects
PSG rejected an initial proposal from Liverpool for the 21-year-old forward. Club officials expect the Premier League side to return with an improved offer during the week, while secretly hoping a second English club enters the bidding to push up the price.
Given the firm stance taken by Paris Saint-Germain leadership, Barcola is unlikely to be allowed to leave the French capital for less than 140 million euros.
The French champions have already moved to strengthen their forward line during the transfer window, completing the signing of Spanish international Ferran Torres, who starred for his country at the World Cup.
