Talking Tactics: How life could look for PSG without Real-bound Mbappe

Luis Enrique is already planning for a Paris Saint-Germain side without Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.

The France star, 25, who has reportedly agreed to join Real this summer, has been substituted early in PSG's last two games as he enters the final few months of his career at the Parc des Princes.

After the goalless draw with Monaco, Luis Enrique said: "Sooner or later we'll have to get used to playing without Kylian. I have to take the best decisions for the team."

Ahead of the second leg of the Parisians' Champions League last-16 tie with Real Sociedad this evening, we look at how they could shape up once their talisman leaves.

In the works

PSG have been slowly planning for the eventuality of Mbappe leaving.

After trying and failing to win an elusive Champions League a side packed full of superstars, the Ligue 1 giants' Qatari chiefs have ditched the flashy names in favour of building a squad that can be nurtured and developed.

Lionel Messi and Neymar both departed last summer, with Mbappe seemingly the third high-profile name set to be moved on.

In their place, a more up-and-coming set of attacking talents have been ushered in — in the form of Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele.

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte was another promising addition, while they look to be finally making the most of their academy with the emergence of 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery.

Still the main man

Luis Enrique's men have dominated in Ligue 1 once again this season, amassing a nine-point lead at the top of the table.

But Ramos, Kolo Muani and Dembele have managed only 12 league goals between them — nine fewer than Mbappe has scored on his own — showing it is a team that still relies heavily on the 2018 World Cup winner.

With a first Champions League title still the aim this term, it may therefore seem a bit naive not to utilise their main man in the competition while they still have him.

Mbappe has netted four of his 32 goals this season in the Champions League — the latest coming in the 2-0 first-leg victory against Sociedad last month.

Luis Enrique will need to decide whether starting his plan for next season without Mbappe now is worth jeopardizing their continental ambitions this season — particularly if it could prove the difference in deciding whether the Spanish boss keeps his job.

Summer plans

PSG's squad rebuild is sure to continue this summer, with a host of names reportedly targeted for a move to the French capital.

It seems they think their new-look attack still needs some work, with Victor Osimhen, Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford reportedly on their shortlist of forward players.

Links to Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva are also not going away, with the experienced former Monaco ace perhaps fancying a new challenge.

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Lille defender Leny Yoro are another two names to crop up, meaning PSG's side could look a lot different by next season.

But for now, Luis Enrique will have to work with what he has as he bids for coveted continental glory.

And record goalscorer Mbappe surely remains too key a figure to be used sparingly on that quest, even if his long-term future is elsewhere.