Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes of constructing an announcement within the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League have suffered a worrying twist throughout the worldwide break. France defeated Ukraine 2-0 of their opening World Cup qualifier, however the largest speaking level wasn’t Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance or Michael Olise’s early strike. As a substitute, all eyes turned to Ousmane Dembele, who limped off the pitch within the second half.
The timing couldn’t be worse for PSG, who’re simply days away from their Champions League marketing campaign, going through Atalanta on September 17 earlier than an enormous conflict towards Barcelona on October 1. However what occurred to Dembele, and is it critical?
Didier Deschamps’ facet began brightly in Wrocław, stamping their authority with fast passing and relentless urgent. It took simply ten minutes for them to interrupt via, as Bradley Barcola arrange Michael Olise for the opener. The Bayern Munich winger calmly slotted residence, giving Les Bleus the proper begin.
The second half noticed Ukraine briefly threaten an upset. Ibrahima Konate was compelled to clear off the road, and Illia Zabarnyi’s header rattled the submit. However when the sport hung within the stability, captain Kylian Mbappe delivered his 51st worldwide aim, sealing a 2-0 victory.
Regardless of the win, the highlight rapidly shifted to PSG’s Ballon d’Or frontrunner. Dembele, who got here on at halftime, lasted simply over half-hour earlier than pulling up and heading straight down the tunnel. The incident left each France and the Parisians’ supporters anxious. Some questioned why he had been risked in any respect, given his health considerations. As French media identified, he had been in doubt even earlier than kick-off, managing a difficulty in coaching and lacking final weekend’s Ligue 1 conflict towards Toulouse.
What occurred, and is the harm critical?
The reality is that Dembele’s substitution got here resulting from a proper hamstring harm, a brand new problem separate from the one which had troubled him beforehand. Studies counsel that whereas he didn’t seem in seen agony, the medical workers determined to not take any dangers.
In response to Telefoot’s Saber Desfarges, the star winger is now set to depart the France camp and bear additional assessments in Paris. His availability for the Champions League fixtures towards Atalanta and Barcelona stays in critical doubt. This has sparked outrage amongst some PSG followers, who criticized Deschamps’ choice to play him regardless of his unsure health.
Les Bleus’ coach tried to ease the strain afterwards: “If I introduced him on, it’s as a result of he was doing positive; in any other case I wouldn’t deliver him on,” Deschamps stated. “Plus, it’s the opposite thigh, though he didn’t really feel something extreme. He was in good spirits. Sadly for him, it occurred, however it might have occurred to a different participant.”
