Luis Enrique has no doubts about PSG's title credentials

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique expressed full confidence in his squad, even after their unexpected 1-0 loss in the French Cup to local newcomers Paris FC, as they prepare to return to Ligue 1 action on Friday.

Last term, PSG achieved a historic feat by securing the inaugural treble in French football, claiming both the domestic title and cup, plus the Champions League crown.

This campaign has been tougher, with the Parisians in second spot in Ligue 1, trailing unexpected frontrunners Lens by just one point, and already eliminated from the cup competition.

"To be frank, if anybody harbours reservations about our group, they ought to let them go," stated Luis Enrique on Thursday ahead of their home clash with fourth-placed Lille.

"What is the issue? Do folks expect us to claim every honour and triumph in every game? That is not how football operates.

"Instead, focus on our achievements so far. I harbour no uncertainties regarding the calibre of squad we possess."

PSG dominated the league by a 19-point margin last year, yet Lens have embarked on a remarkable nine-game winning streak across all tournaments to claim the Ligue 1 summit.

Meanwhile, the title holders have grappled with numerous injury setbacks.

The champions have lacked their previous sharpness, a point underscored on Monday versus PFC, where they squandered 25 goal attempts, seven of which were on target, without finding the net.

In contrast, PFC managed a mere four shots, two on target, but capitalised effectively on their limited chances.

Although forwards Ousmane Dembele, this years Ballon dOr recipient, and Desire Doue have recently recovered from injuries, PSG still struggle to recapture the flair and vigour from the prior season.

Even though the French Cup was not their primary focus this year, Luis Enrique noted that their exit could serve as "a spur for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, our key priorities".

PSG remain in a strong position to earn a top-eight berth in the Champions League league stage, bypassing the playoffs, but they confront a challenging away fixture against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

For their part, Lens will miss their leading marksman Odsonne Edouard when hosting bottom-feeder Auxerre on Saturday.

Edouard, who arrived this season from Crystal Palace, has netted eight times in 16 outings for the Blood and Golds, but picked up a knock in Sundays 3-0 French Cup success against Sochaux.

"We believe he might feature, perhaps for 15 minutes, but we prefer not to gamble," remarked manager Pierre Sage on Thursday.

Youngster Rayan Fofana, the initial preferred striker at the seasons outset before Edourads integration, should step in as replacement.

Third-ranked Marseille encounter a difficult journey to Angers, aware that further stumbles, such as last weeks 2-0 home reverse to Nantes, would probably dash their championship hopes, especially with an eight-point deficit to Lens already.

Player to watch: Endrick

The young Brazilian talent netted the decisive goal on his Lyon bow in the French Cup versus Lille on Sunday, neatly finishing at the far post just before the interval. At 19 years old, Endrick has indicated that his temporary move to Lyon from Real Madrid aims to boost his chances of rejoining the Brazil national team in time for the World Cup.

Key stats

9 - Ligue 1 pacesetters Lens have triumphed in their past nine encounters across all competitions

19 - Marseilles English striker Mason Greenwood has tallied 19 strikes this term after his midweek French Cup treble

7 - The duration in weeks since PSG last led the standings

Fixtures 

Friday (times GMT)

Monaco v Lorient (1800), Paris Saint-Germain v Lille (2000)

Saturday

Lens v Auxerre (1600), Toulouse v Nice (1800), Angers v Marseille (2005)

Sunday

Strasbourg v Metz (1400), Rennes v Le Havre, Nantes v Paris FC (both 1615), Lyon v Brest (1945)