Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé will miss Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Metz due to a left calf strain sustained during Tuesday’s Champions League victory over AS Monaco. The injury is a setback for the reigning Ballon d’Or hopeful as PSG continues to compete on multiple fronts. Fabian Ruiz will also be unavailable for the match.
PSG manager Luis Enrique indicated he wasn’t taking any risks by starting Dembélé against Monaco, noting the player had trained normally on Monday. “He trained normally on Monday. We’ll see with the tests tomorrow (Wednesday). It was a knock in the first quarter of an hour,” Enrique said after the match, according to reports. The club has now confirmed the injury will require a period of recovery, with Dembélé undergoing indoor work in the coming days.
The timing of the injury is particularly concerning with a crucial Champions League match against AS Monaco looming on Wednesday. Dembélé’s absence against Metz will likely see Désiré Doué, who came on as a substitute against Monaco and scored twice to secure a 3-2 victory, feature prominently. Doué’s performance proved pivotal in overturning the deficit and highlighted the depth within the PSG squad.
Injury Updates and Team News
PSG currently sits second in the Ligue 1 standings, trailing Lens. The team will also be without young talents Senny Mayulu and Quentin Ndjantou for the match against Metz. However, there’s positive news regarding Fabián Ruiz, who has resumed individual training after a recent absence due to injury sustained during a 2-1 defeat against Sporting CP in Lisbon. While a return to team training hasn’t been scheduled, his progress is a welcome boost for Enrique.
The injury to Dembélé underscores the physical demands placed on players competing in both domestic and European competitions. PSG is aiming for a historic quadruple this season, chasing success in the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup, in addition to Dembélé’s recent Ligue 1 Player of the Year award.
Dembélé’s injury comes after an impressive goal-scoring season that earned him recognition as a Ballon d’Or contender. The Guardian reported on his Ballon d’Or success, highlighting his significant contribution to the team.
The club has not yet provided a specific timeline for Dembélé’s return, leaving his availability for the Champions League match against AS Monaco uncertain. The medical staff will continue to monitor his progress closely to determine when he can rejoin full training.
What comes next for PSG will be closely watched as they navigate a busy schedule without one of their key attacking threats. The team’s ability to adapt and maintain its form in Dembélé’s absence will be crucial to its ambitions this season.
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