Paris Saint-Germain accuse the French national team of ignoring clear medical risks. The club blames this negligence for the “avoidable” injuries suffered by Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue during the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
Key players sidelined for weeks
Dembele faces around six weeks out with a serious hamstring problem. Doue will miss about four weeks. Both players will sit out crucial games, including the start of the Champions League title defence.
PSG stressed the blow in a strongly worded statement. The European champions said they had written to the French Football Federation. The letter demanded more transparency and collaboration over medical protocols between club and country.
Warnings ignored by national team doctors
The Paris club said it had sent detailed medical information before France began training. The data outlined safe workloads and injury risks for both players. According to PSG, the national team staff ignored those warnings and failed to consult the club’s medical experts.
“The club regrets that medical recommendations were not considered,” the statement read. PSG added that it hoped the regrettable events would lead to better communication. The club demanded that future discussions be documented and a precautionary principle applied for players still under treatment.
“The recent avoidable injuries must bring immediate corrective measures,” PSG insisted.
Injuries during Ukraine match
Doue started the 2-0 win on Friday but left the field injured at half-time. Dembele replaced him, only to suffer his own injury and be taken off in the 81st minute.
French media reported that the federation has been asked for comment but has yet to respond.
Deschamps defends his choice
National coach Didier Deschamps defended the decision to field Dembele. “I was sure he could play at a high level. Otherwise I would not have played him,” he explained. He said the injury hit the other thigh, not the one previously affected. “He was fit. It is unfortunate for him but could have happened to another player.”
Deschamps added that Doue wanted to play despite the risk. “The desire to play takes priority over many things,” he said. Speaking to Telefoot, he insisted: “Once a player is on the pitch, there is never zero risk.”
Champions League defence begins soon
PSG launch their Champions League defence at home to Atalanta on 17 September. They then face Barcelona away on 1 October.
Last season, both Dembele and Doue played decisive roles in PSG’s historic treble. The club lifted Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League. Doue scored and earned man of the match in the 5-0 European final win over Inter Milan. Both stars later appeared in UEFA’s team of the tournament.
Dembele now ranks among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or, scheduled for 21 September. PSG currently top Ligue 1 after three wins from three. Their next match comes against Lens after the international break.
