PSG Suffer Double Injury Blow as Dembélé and Doué Face Weeks on Sidelines

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué will be out of action for several weeks after picking up serious injuries while on international duty.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ousmane Dembélé suffered a severe injury to his right hamstring during France’s match against Ukraine on Friday night. After coming on at halftime, he was forced off in the 81st minute in clear pain. Scans later confirmed the forward will be out for around six weeks and will miss key matches, including PSG‘s Champions League opener against Atalanta and high-stakes clashes against Barcelona and Marseille.

In the same game, Désiré Doué also picked up a right calf strain. The young midfielder will miss about four weeks due to his injury, leaving PSG with fewer options in midfield. The club confirmed both injuries in a medical update on Saturday.

THE TEAM’S CHALLENGE THIS SEASON

This season, PSG have started strong, currently sitting first in Ligue 1 with 9 points from their opening three matches. According to a recent update, Dembélé has had an impressive start, contributing 34 goals and 15 assists across all competitions last season, which highlights his importance under Luis Enrique. Meanwhile, Doué, a rising talent who joined PSG this summer, has gained more space in the team. The team’s next match is a Ligue 1 contest against Lens, who are 5th in Ligue 1 after two wins and one loss in their three opening matches, sitting three points behind PSG, but injuries could threaten their lead as they also prepare for tough Champions League matches with Atalanta, Barcelona, and Bayer Leverkusen.

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR PSG?

With Dembélé and Doué sidelined, coach Luis Enrique will have to adjust his squad for the congested schedule ahead. The team will rely on Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha to step up in attack. In midfield, Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery are expected to see increased minutes. PSG open their Champions League campaign against Atalanta on September 17, before facing Barcelona on October 1, both crucial games in what looks to be a challenging group. The medical team expects Dembélé to return just in time for the final group matches if his recovery stays on track. The return to full strength of these players could be decisive in both domestic and European competitions, as PSG look to advance deep into Europe and secure the Ligue 1 title.