The international break has been kind to Barcelona so far, with no injury concerns to report. The same can’t be said for their upcoming Champions League opponents.
On 1 October, Barçelona face Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash between two of the tournament favourites. But PSG may be without two key attacking players after both picked up knocks on international duty, casting real doubt over their availability for the showdown.
French duo injured
PSG have confirmed a double injury blow ahead of their Champions League showdown with Barcelona. Ousmane Dembélé has suffered a serious hamstring injury in his right leg, while teammate Désiré Doué has picked up a calf strain that also lands him on the treatment table.
The French giants expect Dembélé to be sidelined for around six weeks, ruling him out of the 1 October clash with his former club. It’s a bitter twist for the winger, who would have relished facing Barça on Europe’s biggest stage and a chance to settle a debate on who is the greatest.
Medical update regarding Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué@Aspetar
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 6, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/7p7cTYsszD pic.twitter.com/TjEkCS7Nso
Doué’s diagnosis isn’t quite as severe, but his calf problem is still set to keep him out for at least four weeks. That timetable also places his involvement in the tie in serious doubt, leaving PSG short of their main attacking options just as the Champions League league stage heats up.
You could argue both players were pivotal in PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph, Doué with his two goals in the final, and Dembélé shining throughout the knockout stages. Even so, their absence doesn’t leave Paris empty-handed. With Gonçalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia still leading the line, PSG have more than enough firepower to keep Barcelona’s defence on edge.
If both players somehow recover in time to feature against Barcelona, it wouldn’t come as a shock but it would massively tilt the balance in Luis Enrique’s favour. Dembélé knows Barça inside out after his years at the Camp Nou, and his pace and creativity could be decisive in breaking down their back line. Add Doué’s explosiveness and eye for goal, and PSG’s attack suddenly looks far more dangerous.
For Enrique, having two of his most dynamic forwards available would be a huge boost as he looks to outwit his former club on the European stage.