PSG has accused the French Football Federation of negligence regarding injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue during a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine. Dembele is out for six weeks with a hamstring injury, while Doue faces four weeks with a calf strain. PSG claims the FFF ignored their medical recommendations and is demanding a more collaborative approach to player health management between clubs and national teams. France coach Didier Deschamps defended his decision to play Dembele, sparking a debate about the responsibility of national teams to manage player fitness while balancing national team ambitions.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has launched a scathing critique of the French Football Federation (FFF), alleging negligence in handling the medical conditions of their star players, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. The Parisian club believes this oversight directly contributed to what they term "avoidable" injuries sustained during France's recent World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine, which Les Bleus won 2-0.
The Ligue 1 champions are now grappling with the fallout of these injuries. Dembele, a key attacking figure for PSG, is projected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a "serious" hamstring injury. Adding to PSG's woes, Doue is expected to be out of action for around four weeks, nursing a calf strain. These injuries represent a significant blow to PSG's ambitions, particularly as they aim to maintain their position at the top of Ligue 1 and compete strongly in European competitions.
Before his injury, Dembele had already made a significant impact for PSG this season, notching two goals and providing an assist in the opening weeks of the campaign. His absence will undoubtedly test the depth of Luis Enrique’s squad. Doue, while not as established as Dembele, is a promising talent, and his absence further limits Enrique's options.
PSG has formally communicated its grievances to the FFF, expressing its concerns through an official statement and a formal letter. The club is calling for a significant overhaul of the medical coordination protocols between clubs and the national team, advocating for a more transparent and collaborative approach. The core of PSG’s complaint centers on what they perceive as a disregard for medical information provided to the FFF prior to the international break.
Specifically, PSG claims it furnished the FFF with detailed medical assessments regarding the acceptable workload and potential injury risks for its players. The club alleges that these recommendations were not adequately considered by the French national team's medical staff. Moreover, PSG contends that there was a complete lack of meaningful consultation with its own medical personnel, leading to the avoidable injuries suffered by Dembele and Doue.
The club's statement emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting that the recent events demand swift and decisive corrective action to prevent similar incidents in the future. PSG is adamant that a more robust and collaborative medical protocol is essential to safeguard the well-being of its players while on international duty.
Adding fuel to the fire, the circumstances surrounding Dembele's injury have raised eyebrows. Dembele entered the game against Ukraine as a substitute at halftime, replacing the injured Doue. However, his time on the pitch was cut short when he was himself substituted in the 81st minute, highlighting the severity of his injury. The decision to play Dembele, given PSG's prior medical advice, has been questioned, particularly in light of the subsequent injury.
France coach Didier Deschamps has defended his decision to play Dembele, maintaining that he believed the player was fit and capable of performing at a high level. Deschamps acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the injury but insisted that it could have happened to any player, regardless of their prior condition. However, this justification has done little to quell PSG's anger and frustration.
The incident has ignited a broader debate about the responsibilities of national teams in managing the health and fitness of players who are primarily employed and paid by their respective clubs. The balance between national team ambitions and club priorities is often a delicate one, and this latest episode underscores the potential for conflict and disagreement.
As PSG navigates this challenging situation, they will be eager to see concrete steps taken by the FFF to address their concerns. The health and well-being of their players are paramount, and PSG is determined to ensure that its medical advice is heeded in the future. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the relationship between clubs and national teams across the footballing landscape.
Medical update regarding Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué@Aspetar
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— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 6, 2025