Quick Read
- Ousmane Dembélé sustained an injury and was substituted after 26 minutes in PSG’s Champions League playoff against Monaco on Tuesday.
- The injury occurred days after Dembélé publicly criticized his PSG teammates’ mentality following a 3-1 loss to Rennes.
- Monaco took an early lead through Folarin Balogun, but PSG equalized 2-2 by halftime with goals from Desiré Doué and Achraf Hakimi.
- Dembélé has a history of injuries, missing 73 days this season and 162 games in his career.
- PSG is currently second in Ligue 1 and navigating a challenging season.
MONACO (Azat TV) – Paris Saint-Germain’s star forward Ousmane Dembélé was forced off the pitch due to injury just 26 minutes into Tuesday’s Champions League playoff first leg against AS Monaco, a significant blow that came only days after he publicly criticized his teammates’ collective mentality. The unexpected substitution at Stade Louis II, which occurred while PSG was trailing, compounds the challenges for the reigning European champions as they navigate a demanding season marked by inconsistent form and internal tensions.
The incident unfolded during a crucial European fixture where PSG found themselves quickly on the back foot. Monaco’s American forward Folarin Balogun opened the scoring after just 55 seconds, giving the home side an early lead. Dembélé’s departure due to injury at the 26-minute mark added to PSG’s woes. He was replaced by Desiré Doué, who almost immediately made an impact by scoring to narrow Monaco’s lead to 2-1. Before halftime, Achraf Hakimi netted an equalizer, bringing the score to 2-2, setting the stage for a tense return leg next Wednesday at Parc des Princes.
Dembélé’s Champions League Injury Adds to PSG’s Woes
The timing of Dembélé’s injury is particularly notable given his recent vocal remarks regarding the team’s approach. Following PSG’s 3-1 defeat to Rennes on Friday night, the Ballon d’Or winner did not mince words, telling Ligue 1+ that his teammates were not sufficiently prioritizing the club’s success. ‘We need to put Paris Saint-Germain first because if everyone plays for themselves, it won’t work,’ Dembélé stated. He emphasized a need to rediscover the collective spirit that defined their historic sextuple-winning campaign last season, which he noted concluded late in July, granting players only three weeks off before the new season.
His comments, which pundits and fans widely speculated were aimed at young teammate Desiré Doué—though Dembélé reportedly denied targeting anyone specifically in private—sent ripples through the club. According to L’Equipe, manager Luis Enrique publicly downplayed the ‘affair’ but addressed the squad directly during a post-match debrief, stressing the importance of unity and keeping internal matters private. However, the French outlet also reported that Dembélé’s teammates were not receptive to his remarks, particularly regarding claims of individualism, given that the club reportedly offers uniform bonuses for goals or assists.
Impact of Dembélé’s Injury History on PSG
Dembélé’s career has been frequently interrupted by injuries, a pattern that has resurfaced this season. He has missed 162 games due to various ailments throughout his career, according to TransferMarkt. In the current 2025-26 season alone, he has already been sidelined for 73 days across four different injuries, missing 11 matches due to hamstring, calf issues, fitness concerns, and illnesses. His premature exit from the Monaco match adds another chapter to this troubling history, leaving PSG uncertain about the availability of one of their most impactful players as they push for success on multiple fronts.
Despite these setbacks, PSG boasts considerable offensive depth, which proved crucial in the Monaco game with Doué and Hakimi stepping up to secure a draw. However, Dembélé, when fit, is consistently a difference-maker for the team. His absence, especially in high-stakes Champions League fixtures and a tight Ligue 1 race where PSG is currently second behind Lens, could prove challenging for Luis Enrique’s side.
The confluence of Dembélé’s public critique of team dynamics and his subsequent injury in a pivotal Champions League match underscores the fragile state of cohesion and form within Paris Saint-Germain, presenting a compounded challenge for the club as it seeks to regain its dominant stride.