PSG's Star-Studded Squad Hit by Injury Crisis

PSG's injury woes continue

PSG's Luis Enrique is dealing with a growing injury list, as several key players are sidelined, including Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue out for weeks.

PSG continue to struggle with injury pile-up as meeting with Barcelona looms...

Paris Saint-Germain is bracing for a tough challenge against Barcelona in the Champions League, but their injury woes could impact their performance. Ousmane Dembele, fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or, is a notable absentee due to a thigh injury. Other key players expected to miss the match include Desire Doue and captain Marquinhos.

The match between PSG and Barcelona promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement in the Champions League. Barcelona, currently top of La Liga, will host PSG at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys on October 1, 2025. PSG, meanwhile, are the reigning Champions League winners, and their 4-0 demolition of Atalanta in their opening match showcased their title credentials.

Our Parisians are in Barcelona ✈️💼#FCBPSG | #UCL

pic.twitter.com/mAAURMEdjl

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 30, 2025

Ousmane Dembélé would have relished the opportunity to face off against his former club, Barcelona, where he spent six years showcasing flashes of brilliance despite struggling with consistency and injuries. The 28-year-old French forward recently, after collecting the Ballon d'Or trophy, Dembélé is focused on his recovery from a thigh injury sustained during France's 2-0 win over Ukraine on September 5. He is expected to be out for about six weeks, which might keep him sidelined for Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League matches against Atalanta and Barcelona.

Injury Update:

• Thigh Injury: Dembélé suffered a serious injury to his right hamstring during the Ukraine match and is undergoing rehabilitation.

• Recovery Timeline: Expected to miss around six weeks, potentially returning after the upcoming international break.

• Rehabilitation: Dembélé is heading to Aspetar hospital in Doha, Qatar, for further treatment and recovery.

Impact on PSG:

Champions League Concerns: Dembélé's absence will be felt in PSG's upcoming matches, including the Champions League clash against Barcelona.

Team Performance: PSG will need to rely on other key players to step up in Dembélé's absence and secure positive results.

Ousmane Dembélé expressed his gratitude after receiving the Ballon d'Or trophy, saying, “It is going well. I will be back very soon.” He was honored by PSG supporters following the award, which recognizes the best soccer player in the world. This achievement comes after a remarkable season where Dembélé led PSG to a historic quadruple, scoring 35 goals and providing 14 assists, securing the award ahead of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

PSG's injury woes continue to pile up, with playmaker Vitinha and winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia being taken off early in their match against Auxerre. Vitinha, who finished third in the Ballon d'Or, was substituted before halftime, while Kvaratskhelia was withdrawn at the interval. The club is hopeful that the early substitutions will prevent any long-term damage to the players.

Managing the Injury Crisis

Coach Luis Enrique remains optimistic despite the growing injury list, saying, “We have to stay positive because we need to be able to manage this situation. Paris Saint-Germain are not the only team with injuries. It is the case for every team with such an intense calendar.” This mindset reflects the challenges many top-tier teams face during a packed season.

PSG's Current Injury List:

• Ousmane Dembele: Out for around six weeks with a thigh injury

• Desire Doue: Sidelined with an injury

• Marquinhos: Out for several weeks with a thigh injury

• Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Under observation after being taken off early in the match against Auxerre.

PSG's upcoming fixtures, including the Champions League match against Barcelona, will be a significant test for the team's depth and resilience. With Luis Enrique's absence due to a fractured collarbone, Assistant Rafael Pol will likely take charge of the team in the coming matches.

Fixture Congestion Takes Its Toll

The demanding schedule of Paris Saint-Germain's 2023-24 season, which saw the team play 65 games in 11 months, including 17 Champions League matches and seven Club World Cup games, appears to be catching up with individual players. Ousmane Dembélé has made 99 appearances for PSG since joining the club two years ago, in addition to 20 games for France. Meanwhile, Vitinha has played 113 times for PSG since the start of the 2023-24 season and 21 times for Portugal. The intense fixture list is likely contributing to the current injury crisis affecting key players.

Achraf Hakimi has played 131 games for both club and country over a certain period, and his schedule is set to get even busier with the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup next year. This fixture congestion is taking a toll on players, and Luis Enrique might need to consider giving his star players more rest to avoid injuries and burnout. The demanding schedule of modern football is a concern for many, with top players like Hakimi, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha already dealing with injuries.

The Risks of Fixture Congestion

Injury Concerns: Playing too many games increases the risk of injuries, which can have long-term consequences for players' careers.

Burnout: The mental and physical exhaustion from a packed schedule can affect players' performance on the pitch.

Impact on Product Quality: Too many games can damage the product, with FIFPro's secretary general, Alex Phillips, noting that club owners are starting to realize this is bad for business.

FIFPro's Stance

FIFPro has been vocal about the need for a more balanced schedule, citing the importance of player welfare. They've criticized FIFA's handling of the international match calendar and the Club World Cup, which they say puts players at risk. With the upcoming World Cup and other tournaments, FIFPro's concerns are likely to continue.

“We think club owners are beginning to realize that this is bad for business,” pointed out Alex Phillips, the secretary general of FIFPro, last week.

The Champions League clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain promises to be an electrifying encounter, with the Spanish side hosting the reigning European champions at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on October 1, 2025. PSG's recent 4-0 win over Atalanta has showcased their title credentials, but they'll be without Ousmane Dembélé, the newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner, who is still recovering from a thigh injury.

Team News:

Barcelona: Joan Garcia (knee) and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) are unavailable, while Gavi (knee), Fermin Lopez (groin), and Raphinha (thigh) are also ruled out. Lamine Yamal, who recently returned to action after a groin problem, is expected to start.

Paris Saint-Germain: Ousmane Dembélé (thigh), Desire Doue, Marquinhos, and Joao Neves are out with injuries. Vitinha, who was forced off with an injury scare against Auxerre, is expected to play.

⚔️ The Parisian squad for MD2 in the @ChampionsLeague league phase 👊#FCBPSG I #UCL pic.twitter.com/SRGxImEplY

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 30, 2025

Head-to-Head Record:

The two teams have a rich history, with 15 previous meetings in all competitions. Barcelona lead the head-to-head record with 6 wins, while PSG have 5 wins, and there have been 4 draws.