Paris Saint-Germain has confirmed that Italian midfielder Marco Verratti will miss this summer’s European Championship due to having groin injury surgery on May 16th.
As a consequence, Verratti will be sidelined for eight weeks dealing a massive blow for Italy and their hopes of winning Euro 2016.
The highly-influential midfielder would have been guaranteed a place in Antonio Conte’s squad but he has struggled with injuries all season, only playing 18 Ligue 1 games for the French champions.
Having missed seven consecutive games between February and April, he did return for PSG during their 4-0 win over Rennes at the end of last month, raising hopes that he would be fit enough for the summer.
In a statement, PSG wrote: “In agreement with Paris Saint-Germain, Marco Verratti has decided to undergo surgery to heal the groin problem that he has been suffering from for several weeks.
“The operation will take place in Doha on 16 May at the Aspetar Centre – the club’s official medical partner. The midfielder, who recently extended his contract until 2020, is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks.
“As a result, Marco Verratti will play no part in Paris Saint-Germain’s final matches of the season, or Euro 2016, to be held in France between 10 June and 10 July. Paris Saint-Germain wishes the player a speedy recovery and hopes he will soon be fully fit and back to his best for both club and country.”
The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe and has forged a strong relationship with Thiago Motta and Blaise Matuidi in the centre of the pitch for Laurent Blanc’s side.
The former Pescara player has already represented the Azzurri 15 times at international level, earning comparisons to the great Andrea Pirlo. Euro 2016 would have been only his second major tournament for his nation, having played twice at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
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