Blaise Matuidi: 'We can cope without Zlatan Ibrahimovic'

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi has admitted that losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic for two games is a blow.

The Swedish striker saw red for a bad challenge on Saint-Etienne keeper Stephane Ruffier during Les Parisiens' 2-1 defeat at the Parc des Princes.

The French FA then increased the ban due to the seriousness of his offence.

Carlo Ancelotti's men travel to reigning champions Montpellier HSC on Sunday looking to cement their place at the top of Ligue 1, but must now do so without their star striker.

However, France international Matuidi believes that PSG can cope in his absence, stating the Guillaume Hoarau and Ezequiel Lavezzi are can fill his shoes.

"It will be difficult to play without Ibra because he is an exceptional player," ESPN quotes the 25-year-old as saying. "But we have already proved, especially against Marseille [in the Coupe de la Ligue], that we can be successful without him.

"There are other players who can also be relied on. For example, Guillaume Hoarau, who has two goals, and [Ezequiel] Lavezzi, whose movement gives us lots of options."

Ibrahimovic has scored 10 goals in 10 appearances this season.