Paris Saint-Germain have launched a furious attack on the French Football Federation after star men Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué returned from international duty with serious injuries. The Ligue 1 champions accused Didier Deschamps’ staff of ignoring medical advice, branding the setbacks “serious and avoidable.”
The fallout comes after both players were forced off in a match against Ukraine. Dembélé, who has been in blistering form and was tipped as a Ballon d’Or contender, limped off in the 81st minute clutching his hamstring. Hours later, PSG confirmed he faces six weeks out.
Doué also did not escape the carnage. The 19-year-old midfielder suffered a calf strain and will be sidelined for at least a month. Both will now miss a Champions League showdown with Barcelona on October 1, as well as crucial Ligue 1 fixtures that could shape the title race.
In a strongly worded statement, PSG blasted the French national team’s handling of their players. The club insisted it had provided “concrete medical information” ahead of the international break, outlining workload concerns and the risk of injury. They accused the federation of ignoring these warnings and of failing to properly consult with their own medical team.
“The recent serious and avoidable incidents must result in swift and immediate corrective action,” PSG said. The club called for a new protocol to guarantee “systematic, documented and reciprocal exchanges” between club and country to protect players’ health.
Deschamps, meanwhile, defended his decision to play Dembélé. “He was fit. It is unfortunate for him but could have happened to another player,” the France coach said, adding that the injury was to the opposite thigh from a previous setback.
For PSG, the timing could not be worse. The club’s European ambitions hinge on big nights in the Champions League, and losing one of their most dangerous attackers, alongside a rising talent like Doué, is a major blow. It also reignites the long-running tension between clubs and national teams over player management.
The issue cuts to the heart of football’s calendar congestion. As clubs chase trophies and nations chase glory, players are left carrying the burden. PSG’s latest outburst may not only set the tone for future battles but could also force football authorities to confront a problem that has lingered for years.
