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Matuidi: PSG can beat Chelsea without Ibrahimovic

Paris Saint-Germain are capable of beating Chelsea without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

That is the sentiment of midfielder Blaise Matuidi who is preparing for the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Swedish ace Ibrahimovic will miss the return bout with a hamstring injury, sustained in last week's 3-1 victory at Parc des Princes, but Matuidi is remaining confident of reaching the final four without their talisman.

"We have the capacity to reach the semi-finals - it will be down to us to show what we can do," the France international told reporters on Monday.

"The fact that Ibrahimovic is absent is a blow for the team, but we have already shown that we can manage without him."

Matuidi added: "It is vital to play a great game against Chelsea and do everything possible to progress.

"Chelsea are a team that does not lose many matches, so we must give our maximum to cause them problems.

"The atmosphere in the group is very good, though, and we are all focused."

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Andrew Slevison
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