Ousmane Dembélé’s absence from Paris Saint-Germain’s squad at Le Mans has sharpened the focus on his condition before a major European night in Manchester.
The Ligue 1 news
Dembélé did not feature, or even take a place on the bench, as PSG won 3-1 at Le Mans on Saturday. The France forward had been given a rest period, as had Nuno Mendes, with the intention of having both players fully ready for the next Champions League fixture.
It was the second recent occasion on which Paris had managed Dembélé cautiously. He had also been spared against Lille in the second Ligue 1 round, a match that ended 2-2.
The decision has drawn attention after an unconvincing international break for the Ballon d’Or winner. Dembélé wore the France captain’s armband in the final two matches against Italy and Belgium, but his performances did little to ease concerns over his form.
Former France international Christophe Dugarry questioned the message being sent by PSG’s approach, arguing that Dembélé’s limited involvement could become difficult to handle mentally.
“Paris must have information that we do not have, but I think there could eventually be a clash,” Dugarry said. “His displays for PSG have been average and the same applies with France. At some point, it will start affecting his mind.
“Are they worried about an injury, or are they trying to have him ready for February? But how long can you keep resting him before then? It is a very surprising way to manage the situation.”
Dugarry also pointed to the expectations surrounding a player who has renewed his contract on a huge salary and is expected to lead for club and country. He noted that Dembélé made only nine Ligue 1 starts last season.
Eric Di Meco offered the opposing view, insisting Luis Enrique had earned trust through his previous handling of the forward. He said the PSG coach had extracted more from Dembélé than anyone, including when he left him out of the squad for a trip to Arsenal and used him selectively during the decisive stages of last season.
“Keep criticising the man who helped make you double European champions,” Di Meco said. “Nobody asks whether Dembélé himself has done everything required, particularly compared with his first season.”
Next appointment in France
PSG travel to Manchester City on Wednesday for their second Champions League league-phase match, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00. Dembélé is expected to return after his rest, and his sharpness will be under close examination as Paris step into one of their biggest early-season tests.
