Paris Saint-Germain have strongly criticised what they described as “serious and avoidable” injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue while on international duty with France. Both players were forced off during Les Bleus’ 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine on Friday, prompting PSG to demand better medical coordination between clubs and the national team.
The French champions confirmed Dembele will be sidelined for around six weeks with a hamstring injury, while Doue faces about four weeks out due to a calf problem. In a statement, PSG said they are “urgently requesting a new protocol… that is more transparent and collaborative” to protect players’ health.
Why Are PSG Criticising the French Federation?
According to PSG, they had already provided the French Football Federation (FFF) with detailed medical information before the international break. The club argued that its recommendations on workload and injury risks for players were ignored.
PSG added that they “regret that these medical recommendations were not taken into account by the (national team) medical staff,” and criticised “the total lack of consultation with their medical teams.” While reaffirming their support for Les Bleus, the club said the “serious and avoidable incidents” should lead to structural changes in medical coordination.
What Does PSG Want to Change?
The European champions are calling for a new, formalised framework for communication between club and national team doctors. They want “systematic, documented and reciprocal exchanges” that ensure players under treatment are not overexposed to further risk.
How Did Didier Deschamps Respond?
France coach Didier Deschamps expressed understanding of PSG’s frustrations but defended the national team’s medical practices. “If I were at a club, I would feel the same way,” he said. “There is no such thing as zero risk. If you leave players on the bench, you’re not taking any risks…”
Deschamps pointed out that players such as William Saliba and Rayan Cherki were allowed to remain with their clubs after their injuries were reported, in line with existing protocol. “The protocol stipulates that they must come and have their injuries assessed on Monday morning (at the national team’s training camp). I didn’t make them come,” he explained.
Dembele and Doue will now miss PSG’s Ligue 1 match immediately after the break and their Champions League opener at home to Atalanta on September 17. Both also remain doubts for the club’s high-profile trip to Barcelona in early October.
By Yockshard Enyendi
