Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore have the full support of their Paris Saint-Germain teammates, captain Thiago Silva says, as they remain isolated from the squad after returning late from South America after the winter break.
The Uruguayan and the Argentine are both back in Paris and training once again but have been left out of the squad for the Coupe de France win away at Rennes and the Coupe de la Ligue success in Amiens.
Speaking in the mixed zone after an unimpressive 2-0 win at Stade de la Licorne, Silva shed some light on the situation.
"I think that at one moment, or another, Edinson and Javier will return," the Brazil international said. "The coach and the club will give them both the chance to come back.
"As I have already said, it is a very important period for the club and we must stay together at all costs, even if they did something that was not good for the squad or for the club.
"They remain our friends, though, and it is important that they get back to playing as soon as possible."
Silva also revealed that Cavani and Pastore's cases are different and that the Argentina international's situation is linked with his desire to leave Parc des Princes this month ahead of the World Cup this summer.
"It was an important moment for the club," the 33-year-old said. "You have to think before doing something like that because it is not good for anybody but we are behind both of them.
"There is a difference between Edinson and Javier's cases. I believe that Javier has told the club that he wants to leave but also that they did not come to an agreement in the end. With Edinson, it is a little different.
"We need to stay focused. It is important for the club that they return as quickly as possible."
Silva's regular central defensive partner Marquinhos stressed Cavani's importance to the team and expressed his hope for a swift resolution.
"Edinson is an important player," said the Brazilian. "We have to think collectively. We know that he is a goal scorer and somebody who can make a difference on the pitch but that does not concern us, the players, that is up to the directors.
"There is still no explanation. I think that they have already spoken together [Cavani, Pastore and PSG's sporting leadership] and that they will solve things.
"If Edinson is with us, I think he will be very motivated. He has his reasons for returning late, so he needs to see what the club says in response."
Adrien Rabiot scored PSG's second goal in Amiens with a Cavani-esque near post flicked header and the France international dedicated the win and a place in the Coupe de la Ligue semi-finals to the Uruguay international and Pastore.
"This win was for everybody, like every match," Rabiot said. "It was also for those who are not here, such as Edinson, Javier and Hatem -- we are a group.
"Edinson is not here and surely has certain good reasons as to why but everything is going well and we are winning for everybody."
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who has also been linked with a move away this month, admitted that Cavani's return to the squad will be a big boost.
"Every player is important, especially Edinson because he scores lots of goals and plays and important role in the team," the Germany international said. "As soon as he comes back, we will be happy. However, that is up to the coach."
Cavani could return for PSG away at Nantes in Ligue 1 on Sunday but because he was absent for longer, it is likely that Pastore will have to wait to make his comeback -- if he plays for the French capital outfit again.