Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc has insisted that star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is fit enough to start in back-to-back matches.
Ibrahimovic has only featured once in the league so far and he was not at his best in a 75-minute run out against his former club Malmo in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Le Parisien reported on Thursday that Ibrahimovic required an injection to get through that game after suffering a stomach muscle injury on international duty.
Ibrahimovic, who turns 34 on Oct. 3, has already missed four games this season. Le Parisien suggested that he would struggle to feature in all five of PSG's matches before the next international break.
Speaking ahead of the French league leaders' game at Reims on Saturday, PSG manager Laurent Blanc sought to play down concerns about the former AC Milan and Barcelona player's fitness.
"The injection is an anti-inflammatory jab designed to have an effect where the wound is," he told a news conference.
"It's not a serious injury. It's just a deep wound and, after a while, we won't be talking about it again."
Ibrahimovic was also troubled by a knee injury in preseason. But Blanc said the media was more anxious about his condition and backed the Swede to gradually return to form.
"He told you he wasn't in top form -- it's logical that he might say that," the former France manager said.
"His preparation was disrupted by injury. That happens. Football at the highest level is like that and also -- we're not going to hide it -- he's of a certain age.
"I hope that PSG will play as many matches as possible. He played a certain number last season -- injury plays a part in a season.
"He's used to playing all the games. At the moment he's having a bit more difficulty stringing together matches and outstanding performances but there's nothing to worry about."