News Focus
- Ousmane Dembélé suffers muscle strain in right calf during final Ligue 1 fixture
- Substitution against Paris FC was precautionary to prevent serious damage
- PSG face Arsenal in Champions League final at Puskás Aréna on 30 May
- France international also named in World Cup squad starting 11 June
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that their star winger will undergo medical care for several days. The 29-year-old picked up the injury during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Paris FC on the final day of the domestic season.
The Ballon d’Or winner left the pitch in the first half. Coach Luis Enrique replaced him with Gonçalo Ramos. At first, the manager believed the change was due to tiredness. However, the club released a statement on Monday explaining the withdrawal was a safety measure.
The timing could hardly be worse for the French champions. PSG are preparing to clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal in the Champions League final. The fixture takes place in Budapest on 30 May. Dembélé’s fitness is now a major concern for the defending champions.
The problem also affects international duties. The attacker has earned selection for France’s 26-player World Cup squad. The tournament kicks off on 11 June.
Last week, Dembélé claimed the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season. Despite fitness troubles earlier this term, he has contributed 10 goals and seven assists in 22 domestic appearances. His form in Europe has been outstanding too. He has scored seven times in the Champions League, including crucial strikes in both legs of the semi-final victory over Bayern Munich.