Paris Saint-Germain begins its UEFA Champions League title protection with a mouthwatering conflict in opposition to Atalanta — however it’s going to accomplish that with out one in every of its most influential gamers. The membership has confirmed that Ousmane Dembele is not going to be within the squad for the opening match at Parc des Princes, leaving followers asking one query: why? The reply has now been revealed, however it will not be what PSG supporters have been hoping to listen to.
The reigning European champions are getting into this 12 months’s competitors because the staff to beat. Luis Enrique’s aspect is coming off a near-perfect marketing campaign, which noticed them declare their first Champions League title emphatically by thrashing Inter 5-0 within the ultimate.
Not content material to cease there, PSG additionally lifted the UEFA Tremendous Cup in August, edging Tottenham on penalties. Domestically, they’re in ominous kind, having gained all 4 Ligue 1 matches up to now this season, a run that underlines their starvation to dominate once more.
This opener, nonetheless, is much from a assured three factors. Atalanta could also be underneath new administration with Ivan Juric, however the Italian aspect has all the time been recognized for its fearless method. After a gradual begin to Serie A, the Bergamo outfit bounced again with a commanding 4-1 win over Lecce final weekend — the right tune-up earlier than heading to Paris.
Why is Ousmane Dembele absent?
Whereas PSG followers are desirous to see their staff in full drive, one main identify is absent from Luis Enrique’s lineup for the Champions League opener. Ousmane Dembele, a key determine since arriving from Barcelona in 2023, has been dominated out of the squad. The 28-year-old winger suffered a critical proper hamstring tear whereas on worldwide responsibility with France in opposition to Ukraine on September 5.
“After approaching at halftime in Ukraine-France to switch Need Doue, who suffered a calf damage, Ousmane Dembele was additionally compelled to go away the sector within the 81st minute as a consequence of ache in his proper hamstring,” the French Soccer Federation confirmed.
Medical exams in Paris confirmed the damage, with the membership later stating: “Compelled off with an damage in the course of the Ukraine-France match, Ousmane Dembele is affected by a extreme lesion of the fitting hamstring. His absence is estimated at round six weeks.”
This implies Dembele is not going to solely miss the Atalanta conflict but in addition a number of key fixtures, together with the Ligue 1 showdown with Marseille and doubtlessly the Champions League match in opposition to his ex-side, Barcelona.
