Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves (87) runs off the field after receiving a red card against the Chelsea FC during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Tottenham Receive Boost As PSG’s Joao Neves Suspended for UEFA Super Cup Clash

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a timely advantage ahead of their UEFA Super Cup showdown with Paris Saint-Germain in Italy on Wednesday. Notably, the French champions will be without influential midfielder Joao Neves for their season-opening clash against Tottenham.

The Portuguese star will miss the match as he serves a suspension following his red card in last month’s Club World Cup final against Chelsea. Neves was sent off for pulling Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s hair in the closing stages of the match. The incident not only ruled Neves out of PSG’s Ligue 1 opener against Nantes but has now been confirmed to sideline him for this European clash as well.

🚨❗️𝗡𝗘𝗪: João Neves is suspended for the match against Tottenham as well as for the first Ligue 1 match against Nantes! ❌ pic.twitter.com/lT1laGiSkV
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 10, 2025

Neves’ Absence Big Blow for PSG

The absence is a blow for PSG manager Luis Enrique, who values Neves’ control and creativity in midfield. The Portuguese international was vital for PSG last season as he made 52 appearances in all competitions. Joao Neves has become an increasingly important figure in PSG’s midfield since his move from Benfica last year.

Notably, Neves is among the 10 nominees for the prestigious Kopa Trophy, awarded by France Football to the world’s best under-21 player. Neves’ nomination for the 2024/25 season marks his second in a row. The Portuguese star, who won the Champions League with PSG last season, finished sixth in the voting last year.

Some first season for João Neves!

(🎥 @Ligue1)

pic.twitter.com/WNBWJQFAfy https://t.co/SsdrmXfFyl
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 5, 2025

Also Read: Tottenham Initiate Talks With Manchester City To Sign Savinho

Hence, the Portugal star’s absence will give Spurs manager Thomas Frank a boost as he looks to win his first competitive match in charge of Tottenham. His side’s pre-season form has been mixed, with only two wins from six matches. They suffered a 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich last week and played out a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

The Super Cup provides an opportunity for the North London side to reset ahead of the new campaign after last season’s disappointing 17th-place Premier League finish. Victory over the reigning Champions League holders would be the perfect springboard into the 2025/26 season.

Also Read: Who Is Ismaila Sarr, Crystal Palace’s Hero of FA Community Shield Final? All About the Senegalese Footballer

However, Spurs remain underdogs against a PSG side packed with quality despite Neves’ absence. After Wednesday, Tottenham return to Premier League action on Saturday against newly-promoted Burnley, followed by a tough trip to Manchester City.

PSG vs Tottenham UEFA Super Cup Final Betting Odds:

Odds via BetMGM.

Teams	Moneyline	Total Goals
PSG	Win: -225 Draw: +380	Over 2.5: -220 Under 2.5: +150
Tottenham	Win: +525 Draw: +380	Over 3.5: +115 Under 3.5: -160

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG

Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

UEFA Super Cup

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.