There's A Rumour That Thiago Silva Did Not Play Against Barcelona For Bizarre Reason

Paris Saint-Germain absolutely blitzed Barcelona on Tuesday night, destroying the Catalans 4-0 in the first leg in what was a real statement at the Parc Des Princes.

Angel Di Maria scored twice, while Julian Draxler and Edinson Cavani were also on the scoresheet in the rout.

The drubbing was completely unexpected by a good portion of football fans, particularly when it was revealed that PSG skipper Thiago Silva was absent from the squad after picking up an injury.

Presnel Kimpembe deputised brilliantly in his absence and helped keep Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez quiet.

However, reports today from France have claimed that Thiago Silva was not unavailable for selection because of an injury, with French outlet L'Equipe running a story that the Brazilian did not feature because he was "frozen with fear".

France-based journalist Matt Spiro tweeted about the reports and also pointed out that the supposed injury suffered was rather "mysterious and sudden".

The consensus beforehand had been that the former AC Milan had not recovered from a problem with his calf and was not able to be included in the squad.

It does seem an incredibly strange rumour that one of the world's top defenders, who has figured in big Champions League knockout games against the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona before as well as captaining his country in the World Cup.

L'Equipe's source is apparently someone close to the team but still this story is to be taken with a pinch of salt. Several people on social media are already calling bullshit.

Strange stuff indeed. Something tells me that there's more to come in this story but it's fair to say that PSG did not miss him one bit and produced a wonderful performance collectively.

They certainly enjoyed the win in the changing rooms after the game, with defender Serge Aurier posting a video of the celebrations following the massive win.

What are your thoughts on the Thiago Silva situation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

(h/t 101 Great Goals)

Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, PSG, Thiago Silva

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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