Paris Saint-Germain have received a boost ahead of Sunday's big clash with Marseille as Thiago Silva is set for a possible return from injury.
Silva has not played since PSG's 0-0 draw with Ajaccio in January, missing seven games with a thigh injury but the capital club's medical staff have reportedly revealed the 28-year-old Brazilian is no longer feeling pain and could be ready for the visit of third-placed Marseille.
Known as Le Classique, PSG versus Marseille is always a highly-anticipated match in Ligue 1 but will take on extra importance this weekend as the visitors from the south need a victory if they are to stay in touch with the leaders from Paris.
While the French league-leaders have notched six wins and a loss in Silva's absence, PSG head coach Carlo Ancelotti will still prefer the Brazilian central defender to play against Marseille if he is fit.
Marseille face a tough task to move within two points of PSG as they have lost in Paris on their last three visits to the French capital.
Elie Baup's men will also have to defy their inconsistent recent form as they have yet to record consecutive wins this season and head to Paris on the back of a 1-0 triumph over Valenciennes last week.
If Marseille do manage to knock off PSG, however, Ligue 1 could see a tie at the top of the table at the end of the weekend if second-placed Lyon defeat Lorient.
Lyon snapped a three-game losing streak across all competitions last week with a 4-0 demolition of Bordeaux but come up against a feisty Lorient side that have not lost this month and are still in the hunt for qualification to next season's Europa League.
Lorient sit seventh on 39 points, three behind Nice, who currently occupy fourth spot and the Europa League qualifying position.
In the other Sunday match, Bordeaux host Brest, while the weekend's action begins on Friday when Nice host Reims.
On Saturday, Saint-Etienne should extend their unbeaten run to 10 games when they travel to bottom club Nancy.
Saint-Etienne have the second-highest goal-scorer in Ligue 1 in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the Gabonese striker heads to Nancy in fine form, having hit the back of the net in his team's last four league matches.
In other games, Rennes host Sochaux, Lille are off to Ajaccio, Troyes take on Bastia, Valenciennes face Toulouse and reigning champions Montpellier will visit Evian.
