Mbappe starts for PSG at Real Sociedad despite tension

Kylian Mbappe will lead the line for Paris Saint-Germain against Real Sociedad in Tuesday's Champions League last 16 second leg clash in San Sebastian.

Tension has risen up around Mbappe at PSG in recent weeks after he told club directors he planned to leave in the summer at the end of his contract.

PSG coach Luis Enrique has slashed the forward's minutes, including hooking Mbappe at half-time against his former side Monaco on Friday with the scoreline goalless.

The 25-year-old chose to sit in the stands with his mother in the second half instead of with his team-mates on the bench.

Mbappe has 32 goals across all competitions for Ligue 1 leaders PSG this season, who are still bidding to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.

The striker netted in the 2-0 first leg win over the Spanish side in Paris, with Bradley Barcola adding the second.

With Mbappe starting at the Reale Arena PSG will be confident of progressing to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2021.

The forward is flanked by Barcola and Ousmane Dembele, while veteran defender Marquinhos is on the bench with his Brazilian compatriot Lucas Beraldo and Lucas Hernandez starting in central defence.

Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil brings in Sheraldo Becker and captain Mikel Oyarzabal in two changes from the first leg in attack, alongside Takefusa Kubo.

TEAMS:

Real Sociedad (4-3-3)

Alex Remiro; Hamari Traore, Igor Zubeldia, Robin Le Normand, Javi Galan; Brais Mendez, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino; Takefusa Kubo, Sheraldo Becker, Mikel Oyarzabal (capt)

Coach: Imanol Alguacil (ESP)

Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)

Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaire-Emery, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha; Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe (capt), Bradley Barcola

Coach: Luis Enrique (ESP)

Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)