Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has eased concerns over Ousmane Dembele's fitness after the forward was forced off early in Sunday's Ligue 1 defeat to Paris FC, attributing the issue to fatigue rather than a serious injury.
Dembele Subbed Off After 27 Minutes
Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, started his 11th league match of the season despite PSG having already secured a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title. However, he lasted only 27 minutes at Stade Jean-Bouin before being replaced by Goncalo Ramos. The 29-year-old appeared to be struggling with a thigh problem and headed straight down the tunnel.
Given PSG's Champions League final against Arsenal is less than two weeks away, Enrique was understandably concerned. Dembele has endured an injury-hit campaign, missing time with calf and hamstring issues, and his early exit raised alarm bells for both club and country—France boss Didier Deschamps had named him in the World Cup squad days earlier.
Enrique: 'Just Fatigue'
Speaking to Ligue 1+ after the match, Enrique said: 'He's fine. I hope it's nothing serious.' At his post-match press conference, he elaborated: 'I think it's just fatigue. What we're saying today is just speculation, but I don't think it's anything serious, and there are still two weeks left.'
PSG's evening worsened as Paris FC secured a 2-1 comeback win, with Alimami Gory scoring twice after Bradley Barcola's opener. Enrique did not hide his frustration with the performance, stating: 'I am a little disappointed. Nothing, absolutely nothing positive about this match. When you play football without ambition and intensity, these things happen.'
Other Injury Concerns
PSG are also monitoring Willian Pacho, who has been sidelined with a right thigh issue since the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich. Nuno Mendes (dead leg), Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Chevalier, and Quentin Ndjantou (all hamstring) were also absent against Paris FC.
The Champions League final against Arsenal will be a crucial test for PSG, and Enrique will hope his key players recover in time.
