France opened its UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign on a bittersweet observe, beating Ukraine 2-0 however dropping stars Ousmane Dembele and Need Doue to damage. In response, Paris Saint-Germain issued a robust assertion criticizing the French Soccer Federation (FFF) and calling for a proper protocol to control communication between golf equipment and the nationwide group.
Matchday 1 noticed Les Bleus take management of Group D with a convincing win, transferring into second place simply behind Iceland. However the victory got here at a price. Doue was pressured off at halftime with a proper calf pressure and was changed by Dembélé, who later suffered what PSG confirmed as “a critical damage to his proper hamstring.”
On Sunday, PSG launched a press release addressing the setbacks, urging for a brand new settlement between membership and nation: “After the affirmation of accidents to its gamers known as as much as the French nationwide group, Ousmane Dembele and Désire Doue—carrying vital sporting penalties for each the gamers and the membership—Paris Saint-Germain despatched a letter to the French Soccer Federation urgently calling for a brand new medical-sport coordination protocol between golf equipment and the nationwide group.”
Calling for “a extra clear and collaborative strategy,” PSG revealed that the French workers had ignored its medical recommendation concerning participant workloads. “The membership regrets that these medical suggestions weren’t taken under consideration by the France medical workers, in addition to the whole lack of session or coordination with its personal medical groups,” the assertion learn.
Ousmane Dembele of France goes down with an damage through the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Ukraine and France.
France now turns its focus to Iceland, which leads the group after a 5-0 rout of Azerbaijan. With Dembele and Doue sidelined, Les Bleus have known as up Kingsley Coman as cowl. Nonetheless, the controversy has reignited debate over participant well being and the tug-of-war between golf equipment and nationwide groups.
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Which key video games will Dembele and Doue miss?
Dembele had emerged as a critical contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or after an excellent 2024–25 marketing campaign, whereas Doue turned a PSG hero together with his decisive position within the Champions League remaining. However the accidents have left the membership going through a tough run with out two of its brightest stars.
In line with PSG’s medical replace, Dembele is predicted to be sidelined for six weeks, whereas Doue will miss round 4. Each gamers are set to take a seat out vital fixtures, together with PSG’s Champions League opener towards Atalanta on September 17, Le Classique towards Marseille on September 21, and a high-profile Champions League conflict with Barcelona on October 1.
PSG’s third Champions League match, towards Bayer Leverkusen on October 21, might mark Doue’s return, although Dembele might have extra time. Till then, supervisor Luis Enrique faces a testing stretch with two of his key gamers unavailable.
