Italy’s talisman almost certainly ruled out of the Euros

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is almost certainly expected to miss the European Championships in the summer after suffering setback in his return from injury, reports Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia.

Verratti, 23, has been struggling to shake off a groin injury that has plagued him since the turn of the year and is reportedly losing his race to be fit in time for the Euros, which start June 10.

The Italy international featured in the final 30 minutes of PSG’s 4-0 win over Rennes last weekend but broke down in training on Wednesday. Verratti’s absence at the Euros would really be a hammer blow to Italy’s chances of succeeding in the tournament, especially with Claudio Marchisio also ruled out.

PSG and the Italy Football Federation have reportedly come to blows over Verratti’s fitness and a decision will soon have to be made whether to operate on his groin and give him the summer off to fully recover.

Only two players have a better pass success rate than Verratti in Ligue 1 this season (93%).

For more stats on Marco Verratti, click here to visit his WhoScored player page