PSG gear up for defending titles after World Cup winning trio return

PARIS - Paris Saint-Germain were in full force to defend their titles in the upcoming season as three France internationals returned to training on Tuesday following an extended post-World Cup holiday.

After undergoing routine medical tests a day earlier, Kylian Mbappe, Presnel Kimpembe and Alphonse Areola rejoined other PSG members in the training center, where the club held a brief congratulating ceremony for the World Cup winners.

Mbappe deservedly claimed the best young player award after guiding Les Bleus to their second World Cup with four goals.

The 19-year-old will switch his jersey number from 29 to 7 in the new season, saying that "it's a new beginning".

PSG kicked off their 2018/19 campaign in a quite strong manner with a 4-0 victory over Monaco in last weekend's French Super Cup held in Shenzhen, China.

They will host Caen on Sunday in Ligue 1's opening round action.