PSG, France FA clash over injured stars

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have slammed the French national team after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue picked up injuries during Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

Dembele is now sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring problem, while Doue faces at least four weeks out with a calf injury. Both had featured in all of PSG’s Ligue 1 games before the international break.

In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, the French champions accused Les Bleus’ medical staff of ignoring warnings and exposing their players to unnecessary risk.

PSG said they had already sent the French Football Federation detailed medical information on the players’ workload and risk factors before the international camp, but claim those recommendations were disregarded.

“The club urgently requests a new protocol that is transparent and collaborative,” PSG said, describing the injuries as “serious and avoidable.”

Coach Didier Deschamps admitted he understood PSG’s anger but insisted no system is risk-free. “If I were at a club, I would feel the same way. But there is no such thing as zero risk,” he told reporters.

The fallout means Dembele and Doue will miss PSG’s Ligue 1 clash immediately after the break, as well as their Champions League opener against Atalanta on September 17. They are also doubts for October’s trip to Barcelona.