Didier Deschamps has dismissed reports of a rift with PSG after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue sustained injuries while playing for France. PSG expressed concerns over the handling of the players’ fitness, but Deschamps defended the team’s approach. Dembele is set to miss six weeks with a hamstring injury, while Doue is out for four weeks with a calf strain. France defeated Ukraine 2-0 in their World Cup qualifier and will now face Iceland. Deschamps emphasized that clubs are not opponents and highlighted the importance of player welfare.
France's national team manager, Didier Deschamps, has downplayed any potential conflict with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) following injuries sustained by Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue during the recent international break. The issue arose after both players picked up injuries while on duty for France in their World Cup qualifying campaign, leading to PSG expressing their displeasure with the French Football Federation (FFF).
France commenced their World Cup qualifying journey with a solid 2-0 victory over Ukraine. Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe both found the net to secure the win. However, the victory was dampened by the injuries to Dembele and Doue. Doue had to be substituted at halftime, while Dembele, a strong contender for this year's Ballon d'Or, was also withdrawn from the match with only nine minutes remaining.
The aftermath of the game saw PSG officials voicing their discontent, accusing the FFF of neglecting pre-existing medical advice. The Ligue 1 champions labelled the injuries as “avoidable”, stating they had provided comprehensive medical information before the training camp commenced. They further advocated for a more transparent protocol with the FFF to better safeguard players' health in the future.
Deschamps addressed the concerns, stating, “It’s sad for Ousmane and for Desire, of course, because of their injuries, and we’re losing two important players for tomorrow’s match. But we did things in a professional and progressive way, as we always do with all the players, taking into account their own feelings.”
PSG later confirmed that Dembele is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a hamstring injury, while Doue will be out of action for four weeks with a calf strain. These injuries come at a crucial time for PSG, with important club fixtures on the horizon.
Before his substitution, Doue had shown promise for France, completing a number of dribbles. Meanwhile, Dembele has been in impressive form for Luis Enrique’s PSG side, contributing three goals and one assist in the early stages of the Ligue 1 season, helping them to the top of the league standings.
Deschamps firmly refuted any suggestions of a rift between club and country. “This concerns two PSG players, but PSG are not our opponent – clubs have never been. I’ve been on the other side of that fence myself. Our only opponent is Iceland, and that’s [on Tuesday].”
France is set to host Iceland at the Parc des Princes. Iceland began their Group D campaign emphatically with a 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan.
Medical update regarding Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué @Aspetar
https://t.co/7p7cTYsszD pic.twitter.com/TjEkCS7Nso
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 6, 2025
The situation highlights the perennial tension between clubs and national teams regarding player welfare. Clubs invest heavily in their players and understandably want them protected during international duty. National team managers, on the other hand, need their best players available for crucial qualifying matches.
Finding a balance that satisfies both parties is often a challenge. Clear communication, transparent medical protocols, and a willingness to compromise are essential to avoid conflicts and ensure the well-being of the players. As the international schedule becomes increasingly congested, the need for cooperation between clubs and national federations becomes even more critical.
The coming days will be crucial for both Dembele and Doue as they begin their rehabilitation. PSG will be hoping for a swift recovery, as they aim to maintain their strong start to the Ligue 1 season and compete effectively in European competitions. For France, the focus shifts to their upcoming match against Iceland, with Deschamps needing to reshuffle his squad in the absence of the injured duo. The manager will be counting on the depth of his squad to secure another positive result in their World Cup qualifying campaign.