All-star PSG looks to get back on track

PARIS - The Associated Press

Paris Saint-Germain’s spectacular forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) of Sweden is set to make his return after a two-match ban in the French Ligue 1. AFP photo

After securing its place in the next round of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain will try to rebound from two losses and a draw in the French league when it takes on struggling Troyes on Nov. 24.

PSG slipped to third in the standings after losing to nine-man Rennes last weekend, but it will welcome back Zlatan Ibrahimovic from a two-match ban.

“You shouldn’t separate Zlatan from other players,” PSG sporting director Leonardo said. “Zlatan is playing at the top level, that’s to say for the Ballon d’Or. He’s like [Lionel] Messi at Barca or [Cristiano] Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Without these players, it’s normal not to be as good.”

Troyes drew 3-3 at home against last-place Nancy last weekend, with Benjamin Nivet scoring twice.
“We have to go there to play our own game, without fear, and to make our mark there,” Nivet said. “We shouldn’t make a big deal out of Ibrahimovic, despite all the talent he has. We can’t just focus on Ibrahimovic.”

Marseille is level on points with PSG and will be boosted against Lille by Joey Barton making his long-awaited league debut.

Barton joined Marseille from QPR but had to serve a 12-match suspension for foul play after elbowing Carlos Tevez and kicking Sergio Aguero last season against Manchester City.