Ousmane Dembele injury leaves Paris Saint-Germain facing key selection dilemma

Ousmane Dembele is expected to miss two or three matches after suffering a suspected left hamstring injury in Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona.

The France forward was replaced in the 19th minute, turning an impressive night for the French side into a costly one. Paris Saint-Germain secured their second victory in the competition by the same scoreline, having also beaten Manchester City 4-2, but lost three important players to injury against Barcelona: Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Marquinhos.

Manager Luis Enrique did not provide a detailed update immediately after the match.

“I’m not a doctor,” he said at his press conference. “We have to wait until tomorrow to see what the tests reveal. The injuries to these three important players are the worst news. This is football at the highest level.”

According to Foot Mercato, citing L’Equipe, Dembele has suffered an injury to the back of his left thigh. The initial assessment suggests he could be unavailable for two or three games, although the diagnosis is expected to be confirmed by medical examinations scheduled for Wednesday.

If that absence is confirmed, Dembele could miss the match against Lyon as well as fixtures against Le Havre and Villarreal. The injury has also renewed scrutiny of how his workload has been managed since the start of the season.

Dembele’s holiday comments revisited

The latest setback has brought renewed attention to Dembele’s joking comments about the breaks he had been given by Enrique.

After the victory over Manchester City last week, the player told reporters: “There was the international break, then I went on holiday. Maybe I will ask for another holiday if it is possible.”

Dembele also joked that he particularly enjoyed playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after returning from a holiday, suggesting that could continue until March before adding that the decision rested with his manager.

Enrique responded in a similar tone: “Ousmane is the president. He is joking all the time and I love his passion for football. Of course, it was a joke. I am always open to giving players periods of rest; that is my responsibility, but it means going to training at the club.”

Dembele has had two rest periods since the beginning of the campaign: after the match against Rennes on 23 August and following the return from the international break.

L’Equipe also reported that he used his most recent holiday for a return trip to the United States. The newspaper said Dembele believes he needs to play consecutive matches to regain his feel and rhythm.

Strong Champions League figures

Dembele has recorded three goals and three assists in three Champions League appearances, but L’Equipe’s assessment suggested his overall performances had not matched those statistics.

Paris Saint-Germain had sought to manage his workload and provide regular rest, yet the injury raises further questions about his ability to remain fit and play consistently.

After featuring against Manchester City, Strasbourg and Barcelona, Dembele was unable to complete his third successive match. Paris Saint-Germain’s coaching staff may now have to reassess his programme for the next stage of the season.