Paris Saint-Germain have called for sweeping changes to how players are managed on international duty after two of their stars returned injured from France’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue both limped off during France’s 2-0 win over Ukraine on Friday. Dembele is expected to miss six weeks with a hamstring problem, while Doue faces about a month out with a calf injury.
The French champions described the injuries as “serious and avoidable” in a statement on Sunday. They said the incidents exposed a lack of communication between club doctors and national team staff.
PSG confirmed they had given the French Football Federation (FFF) detailed medical information before the international break. The club argued their advice on workload and injury risks had been ignored.
“We regret that these medical recommendations were not taken into account by the national team medical staff,” the statement read. The club added it was concerned by the “total lack of consultation with their medical teams.”
PSG said they remained supportive of Les Bleus but demanded “a new formalised framework” that ensures clear and reciprocal communication between club and country.
Didier Deschamps, France’s coach, acknowledged the Paris club’s frustration. “If I were at a club, I would feel the same way,” he told reporters. Still, he defended his staff’s methods, saying, “There is no such thing as zero risk. If you leave players on the bench, you’re not taking any risks…”
Deschamps pointed out that Arsenal’s William Saliba and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki were both excused from duty because of injuries confirmed by their clubs. He added that he also considers “the player’s feelings” before deciding whether they should play.
The timing of the injuries is a blow for PSG. Both Dembele and Doue featured heavily in the early weeks of the new season following a short summer break, and now they will miss key matches. The pair are out of PSG’s first Ligue 1 fixture after the break and are doubts for their Champions League opener against Atalanta on 17 September. Their availability for the league clash with Barcelona in October also remains uncertain.
For PSG, the episode has underlined what they see as a long-standing problem: national teams pushing players too hard while clubs bear the cost. The club’s statement closed with a plea that these “regrettable events” should finally force changes.
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