Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique suffered a fractured collarbone in a cycling accident and will undergo surgery. This setback comes as the team prepares for upcoming Ligue 1 and Champions League matches. Ousmane Dembélé has also sustained a hamstring injury while playing for France, adding to PSG’s challenges.
Paris Saint-Germain's manager, Luis Enrique, is set to undergo surgery after fracturing his collarbone in a cycling accident on Friday. The unfortunate incident occurred as the 55-year-old Spaniard, known for his passion for cycling, was pursuing one of his favorite off-field activities. The news comes as a setback for the French champions, who have started their Ligue 1 title defense with a perfect record, winning all three of their opening matches.
The club released an official statement confirming the injury, stating: "Following a cycling accident on Friday, Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique was treated by the emergency services and will undergo surgery for a fractured collarbone. The club expresses its full support and wishes him a swift recovery. Further updates will be shared in due course."
Enrique's arrival at PSG marked a new era for the club, and he quickly established himself as a respected figure within the team and among the fans. Last season, he guided PSG to their first Champions League title victory. His tactical acumen and man-management skills have been lauded, and his absence, even temporarily, will be felt keenly.
The timing of the injury is particularly inopportune, as PSG are preparing for a crucial run of fixtures both domestically and in Europe. The international break provides a brief respite, but the team will return to action on September 14 with a home game against Lens. Just three days later, they are scheduled to host Atalanta in their Champions League title defence opener. These matches will test the depth and resilience of the squad, and Enrique's presence on the touchline will be sorely missed.
While the club has not yet announced a timeline for Enrique's return, it is likely that he will be sidelined for several weeks. During this period, assistant coaches will step up to take charge of the team, ensuring continuity and maintaining the high standards set by Enrique. The players will need to rally together and demonstrate their collective strength in the absence of their leader.
Adding to PSG's woes, Ousmane Dembélé, a key player in the squad, sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty with France in their World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine. Dembélé limped off the field, and initial assessments suggest that he could be out of action for a significant period. This double blow presents a significant challenge for PSG, as they navigate a demanding schedule with two influential figures unavailable.
Despite these setbacks, PSG remain determined to maintain their momentum and achieve their goals for the season. The club boasts a wealth of talent, and the players are confident in their ability to overcome adversity. The coaching staff will work tirelessly to prepare the team for the upcoming matches, and the fans will provide unwavering support from the stands. With their sights set on continued success, PSG are ready to face the challenges ahead with courage and determination.
The club's medical team will closely monitor both Enrique's and Dembélé's progress, providing them with the best possible care and rehabilitation. The aim is to ensure that they return to full fitness as soon as possible, ready to contribute to the team's endeavors. In the meantime, PSG will rely on the depth of their squad and the tactical flexibility of their coaching staff to navigate this challenging period. The spirit of the team remains strong, and they are united in their commitment to achieving success, both domestically and in Europe.