By RYAN TOLMICH
Just one game into the defense of their Ligue 1 title, Paris Saint-Germain are already facing their first major setback.
The French powerhouse will be without captain Thiago Silva for “several weeks”, according to the club, after the defender suffered a right hamstring injury in a friendly against Italian side Napoli.
The timeline will push Silva’s return close to PSG’s entry into the Champions League group stage, which is scheduled to begin on September 16.
Silva, whose absence was apparent in Brazil’s 7-1 hammering at the hands of eventual World Cup champions Germany, will now have to wait a little longer to join with national team running mate and new PSG teammate David Luiz, who made his debut in the Napoli contest.
Here are more of Wednesday’s news and notes from around the world of soccer:
MARTINO APPOINTED ARGENTINA BOSS
It didn’t take long for Gerardo Martino to get his reunion with Lionel Messi.
The former Barcelona boss has been appointed manager of the Argentina national team, with a formal announcement set to come Thursday.
Martino, who was capped once by the team he now manages, has previously taken charge of the Paraguay National Team, who he led to a World Cup quarterfinal appearance.
The 51-year-old manager most recently took charge at Barcelona for the 2013-14 season and led the club to a second place finish in La Liga in what was considered a disappointing season by club standards, leading to the two sides going their separate ways.
Martino will now rejoin Barca stars Messi and midfielder Javier Macherano in the Argentina national team setup.
COURT OF ARBITRATION TO ANNOUNCE SUAREZ DECISION THURSDAY
Luis Suarez will be informed of his official punishment sooner rather than later.
The Barcelona forward will learn the results of his appeal regarding his long-term ban Thursday, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport set to expedite the decision.
Suarez was famously suspended four months from all soccer-related activities for his World Cup bite on Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.
The player’s legal team took the case to the court, arguing that Suarez should be allowed to train with his new side. Suarez’s ban is the largest handed down by FIFA in World Cup history.
GUARDIOLA INSISTS BAYERN DON’T NEED REUS
After poaching midfielder Mario Goetze and forward Robert Lewandowski from their Bundesliga rival in recent seasons, Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola insists that the team won’t need to go to the Borussia Dortmund well again in the near future.
Guardiola said Tuesday that the club are not interested in pursuing BVB star Marco Reus, who has been linked to the Bundesliga champions in recent weeks.
The former Barcelona manager pointed to his already deep pool of forwards, stating that the club is very pleased with what it already has.
“We already have eight strikers,” Guardiola said at a press conference. “I do not need new players. I am pleased with this squad.”
QUICK KICKS
Liverpool have reached an agreement with Spanish side Sevilla to acquire 22-year-old fullback Alberto Moreno. (REPORT)
Southampton sign Hull City’s Shane Long for £12.5 million fee. (REPORT)
Switzerland star Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to stay with Bayern Munich despite rumors of a move away from Bavaria. (REPORT)
Manchester United target Marcos Rojo is facing discipline from current club Sporting CP for requesting a transfer to the Premier League powerhouse. (REPORT)
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How will PSG fare without Silva? Will Martino succeed with Argentina? What do you expect from Luis Suarez this season? Do you see Reus leaving BVB before the transfer window closes?
Shsre your thoughts below.