Leverkusen, October 21 (Udaipur Kiran): In a major boost for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé has returned to the squad after recovering from a six-week hamstring injury. The French forward is expected to feature in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
The 28-year-old winger, who sustained the injury while representing France in early September, underwent rehabilitation at a specialist clinic in Qatar before rejoining team training last week. His return comes as a relief for PSG head coach Luis Enrique, whose side has been hit by a series of injuries this season.
Although Dembélé missed Friday’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Strasbourg, club insiders indicate that he may get some playing minutes against Leverkusen. PSG, the reigning European champions, are chasing their third consecutive victory in the ongoing Champions League campaign.
Leverkusen’s French defender Loïc Badé, who will face his international teammate, praised Dembélé’s versatility and skill:
“There’s no secret formula to stop Dembélé. He’s a complete player with exceptional abilities. Winning the Ballon d’Or says it all — he’s two-footed, unpredictable, and has no real weakness. The only way to contain him is to defend collectively and stay compact.”
PSG will also benefit from the return of forwards Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, both of whom featured in the Strasbourg draw. However, midfielders Fabián Ruiz and João Neves remain sidelined with injuries. Team captain Marquinhos, recently back from a fitness issue, has traveled with the squad to Germany.
Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag in September, acknowledged PSG’s aggressive pressing game, describing it as both “a weapon and a risk.”
“PSG are a top side and have improved since last year. But we have the quality to compete and the confidence to play our game,” said Hjulmand.
The Bundesliga 2024 champions, Leverkusen, have drawn their opening two Champions League fixtures against FC Copenhagen and PSV Eindhoven, and will be looking for their first win of the campaign.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.