Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe has acknowledged that he and David Luiz are unlikely to feature in coach Unai Emery's strongest XI once captain Thiago Silva and Marquinhos return to action.
With Silva injured since the French champions' preseason tour of the United States and Marquinhos away with Brazil at the Olympic Games, Kimpembe has been one of Emery's starting central defenders since the start of the competitive season and has featured in all three Ligue 1 fixtures as well as the Trophee des Champions.
France under-21 international Kimpembe said he felt he had been vindicated in his decision to stay at Parc des Princes this summer despite a number of clubs being interested but admits that Silva and Marquinhos will be Emery's "starters" when available.
"I always wanted to stay," Kimpembe told Goal France. "I never wanted to leave and I have been vindicated in my choice. This year, I hope to play between 20 and 25 matches with PSG but that will depends on injuries and my performances.
"It will be tough and we know who the starters are."
He added: "Competition is something good because it is what helps you develop. Their returns will force me to give even more."
According to L'Equipe, PSG are trying to tie Kimpembe down to an extended contract on improved terms but there has been no official confirmation yet.
Le Parisien also reported that Emery met with Luiz, face to face, in July and told the Brazilian that he will not be considered an automatic starter.
The former Chelsea and Benfica defender's attitude in training since has reportedly impressed the Spaniard and his staff but Kimpembe's growing importance and homegrown status mean that Luiz now has competition just to be considered third choice.
"I have not spoken with the coach personally but it feels like everything is going well so far," Kimpembe said when asked about the competition. "Over the course of the season, we will see how it is going.
"The coach has shown me that he has confidence in me and I had been hoping that he would trust me."