Without Dembele and Doue, PSG Remains Dangerous

PARIS, WEDNESDAY — Defending champion Paris St Germain is hit by a storm of injuries affecting several of its star players ahead of the opening match of this season's Champions League. Luis Enrique's squad will begin their effort to defend the "Big Ears" trophy by hosting Atalanta at Parc des Princes, Paris, on Thursday (18/9/2025) at 02:00 WIB.

Injuries were sustained by two key forwards of PSG, namely Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, while representing the French national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match. Dembele is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a hamstring injury, while Doue will require four weeks of treatment for a calf muscle injury.

Nevertheless, Coach Enrique stated that his team remains confident in their ability to defend the title. "Currently, we are more confident than last year in the Champions League," said Enrique.

Without the two strikers who were key to their treble-winning campaign in the 2024-2025 season, PSG remains a threat. They still have Bradley Barcola, who is also a sharp striker. Furthermore, Enrique can also rely on Goncalo Ramos up front.

PSG started the Ligue 1 competition perfectly, achieving four victories from four matches. Most recently, they defeated Lens 2-0, thanks to two goals from Barcola.

The injuries of the two key players are a severe blow to PSG. They are also furious with the French Football Federation (FFF) for neglecting the health of their two players during the match against Ukraine. In fact, these injuries could have been avoided if the national team had been more sensitive to the players' conditions.

PSG even sent a letter to FFP requesting that they be more "transparent and collaborative" regarding the medical protocols between the club and the national team. "The club regrets that the medical recommendations were not taken into account by the medical staff of the French national team and the lack of consultation with the club's medical team."

Besides Dembele and Doue, PSG will also be without defender Lucas Beraldo due to an ankle problem.

PSG is also at risk of losing winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia due to injury. The Georgian player has been training separately from his teammates ahead of the Champions League match. Kvaratskhelia sustained the injury during the Ligue 1 match against Lens.

Three defeats and one draw in the league stage last season left PSG outside the top eight. They had to enter the playoffs to reach the knockout stage.

In stark contrast to the league phase, Dembele and his teammates performed brilliantly throughout the knockout stage, successfully reaching the final. In the pinnacle match, they defeated Inter Milan with a resounding score of 5-0.

"Last year was a complicated moment due to a lack of efficiency. However, that is a normal process for a team that wants to grow. For me, it is more difficult to win the first one than the second or third," said Enrique.

According to Enrique, winning the first title is always very difficult because the players think they will not be able to achieve it. "But, we showed the way. Now, the entire PSG and the young players want to win; they know they are capable," said Enrique.

In addition to being the champions of the Champions League, PSG also succeeded in reaching the final of the Club World Cup last July. However, they lost 0-3 to Chelsea.

"My mentality is to keep evolving, to show the players that there is no tranquility or complacency; we must continue to think about becoming better," said the coach.

"Our goal is to make history again and win the Champions League title consecutively. We must be ambitious," said the Spanish coach.

Meanwhile, Atalanta will attempt to hold back the defending champions with a new coach who is experiencing the Champions League for the first time. Atalanta appointed Coach Ivan Juric following the departure of Gian Piero Gasperini.

"Their coach has changed, so it will be difficult to predict how they will play. However, like last season, we are talking about a strong team and quality players," said Enrique.

Juric stated that they need courage to play against PSG. "We have prepared well to face them and hope to perform well. We need courage; we know their strength lies in passing and speed in attacking," said Juric. (AP/AFP)