Paris, Dec 21 (IANS): Paris Saint Germain star Neymar has travelled to Brazil, where he will spend the Christmas holidays with the permission of the French powerhouse, coach Thomas Tuchel revealed on Friday.

The former Barcelona forward was on the sidelines during PSG's 2-1 win over US Orleans in the Coupe de la Ligue round of 16 on December 18 and will miss Saturday's Ligue 1 game against Nantes, reports Efe.

"Neymar always wants to play. We don't want to take any chances with his injury, which is why he went on vacation earlier," Tuchel said at a press conference on the eve of the game.

The coach revealed that Neymar had taken part in a key UEFA Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade despite the physical issues he struggled with.

PSG secured a place in the Champions League round of 16 as the Group C winner ahead of Liverpool thanks to its 4-2 win over Red Star on the group stage's final matchday on December 11.

The French champion has been paired against the Premier League's Manchester United in the round of 16 draw, with the first leg set to be played at Old Trafford on February 12.