Didier Deschamps defended his decision to play Ousmane Dembele in the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine despite injury concerns. Dembele was subbed off with a hamstring issue, leading to criticism from PSG. Deschamps insisted Dembele was fit and the injury wasn’t related to a previous one. He hinted Dembele may miss the next qualifier against Iceland. PSG is concerned about his availability for upcoming Ligue 1 and Champions League matches.
Didier Deschamps has staunchly defended his decision to field Ousmane Dembele in France's recent World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, a move that has stirred controversy following the player's subsequent injury. The French national team secured a 2-0 victory in their Group D opening match, with goals from Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe, who equaled Thierry Henry's record for the second-most goals scored for France with an impressive 51.
Dembele entered the game as a half-time substitute but was unfortunately forced off the pitch in the 81st minute, replaced by Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike, after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury. This substitution marked Ekitike's first senior cap for France.
Reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) officials are deeply unhappy with Deschamps' decision to play Dembele, particularly as the winger had sustained a similar injury in their previous match against Toulouse. However, Deschamps has refuted any direct link between the two incidents, asserting that Dembele was fully fit to play.
"If he wasn’t fit, I wouldn’t bring him in," Deschamps stated emphatically. He further clarified that the injury sustained during the international game was not a recurrence of the previous one. "In addition, it was not the same thigh. Unfortunately for him it happened, it can happen to someone who has had nothing before."
Deschamps reiterated his confidence in Dembele's fitness before introducing him into the match, saying, "But if I bring him in, he’s fit… otherwise I would have brought in another player. But because of what he thought about himself and the medical situation, there was not the slightest apprehension."
Adding to the uncertainty, Deschamps hinted that Dembele is unlikely to feature in France’s upcoming qualifier against Iceland at the Parc des Princes. Iceland currently leads Group D after a dominant 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan, setting the stage for a potentially challenging match for the French squad.
PSG will anxiously await updates on Dembele's condition, hoping he recovers in time for their Ligue 1 encounter against Lens on September 14. The club also faces crucial Champions League matches against Atalanta and Barcelona before the next international break, making Dembele's availability all the more critical.
The situation highlights the delicate balance national team managers must strike between utilizing key players and protecting their fitness, particularly when club commitments loom large. Deschamps' firm stance underscores his belief in his assessment of Dembele's condition, even as questions persist regarding the timing of his inclusion in the match.
The incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with some questioning the risk of playing a player with a recent injury history, while others defend Deschamps' right to select the best possible team for the crucial World Cup qualifier.
Ultimately, the focus now shifts to Dembele's recovery and the potential impact his absence may have on both the French national team and PSG's upcoming fixtures. The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of the injury and the timeline for his return to the pitch. Deschamps, meanwhile, must prepare his squad for the challenge posed by Iceland, aiming to maintain their momentum in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
3e changement pour les Bleus. Hugo Ekitiké remplace Ousmane Dembélé, blessé
Ekitiké honore sa première sélection en Bleu !
0-1 #UKRFRA I #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/XwkzBtQX8J
— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) September 5, 2025