Ousmane Dembélé will likely be a serious absence for Paris Saint-Germain in probably the most vital fixtures of the French season. On Matchday 5 of Ligue 1 2025-26, PSG go to Olympique de Marseille in Le Classique, scheduled for Monday, September 22, at 3:00 PM ET on the iconic Stade Vélodrome. The French winger is sidelined with a severe hamstring harm, ruling him out for round six weeks and leaving PSG with out certainly one of their most dynamic attacking gamers.
Dembélé sustained his harm through the latest FIFA worldwide break, damaging his proper hamstring. Medical experiences confirmed he wouldn’t solely miss Le Classique but additionally a number of different essential matches in each Ligue 1 and the Champions League group stage.
Supervisor Luis Enrique will now depend on Bradley Barcola to step into the beginning XI. Barcola is anticipated to play on the proper flank, whereas Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will line up on the left facet of the assault. Within the heart, Portuguese ahead Gonçalo Ramos will lead the road.
The tactical reshuffle underscores simply how vital Dembélé has been to PSG’s system. His tempo, dribbling, and creativity present steadiness to the crew’s offense, and his absence may tilt the scales in a match as emotionally charged as Le Classique.
Barcola is certainly one of PSG’s most promising gamers and has been resting since final season.
Dembélé Nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or
Regardless of his harm, Dembélé’s 2024-25 season was robust sufficient to earn him a nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The gala will likely be held the identical day as Le Classique, on Monday evening on the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, making a scheduling conflict between French home soccer’s largest rivalry and world soccer’s most prestigious awards ceremony.
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In accordance with French media, whereas PSG have a number of gamers nominated for particular person honors, Dembélé is taken into account one of many favorites to take dwelling a trophy. Nonetheless, given his harm and PSG’s sport towards Marseille, he won’t be current on the gala.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is anticipated to highlight different PSG stars as nicely, with classes reminiscent of Greatest Participant, Greatest Younger Participant, and Greatest Staff in play.
