Ousmane Dembele has been one of the marquee players fans were eager to watch at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, making his absence from Paris Saint-Germain’s first match a major talking point. Now, with Botafogo looming, the French side has received a crucial injury update on Dembele’s status.
After winning the UEFA Champions League last month, PSG opened their Club World Cup campaign against Atletico Madrid with a statement performance. Determined to start strong, the French champions dismantled Atletico 4-0 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles.
Manager Luis Enrique fielded the same starting XI that won the Champions League final against Inter Milan, with one exception: Goncalo Ramos replaced Dembele in the attack. With two matches remaining in the group stage, getting Dembele back to full fitness could be critical for the challenges ahead.
Dembele still training individually
As Luis Enrique resumed training following the win over Atletico, Dembele was once again absent from full team drills. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the winger continued his recovery by completing Monday’s session individually.
The French international is still nursing a left quadriceps injury sustained on June 5 during France’s UEFA Nations League semifinal against Spain. With PSG set to face Botafogo on Thursday, Dembele is expected to miss another game as his recovery continues.
see also
Download the complete 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule: PDF, Excel, and printable formats
However, it’s not all bad news on the injury front for PSG. Bradley Barcola, who suffered a knock to his right knee in the same Nations League semifinal, has returned to full training with the squad and could be available for selection against the Brazilian side if Luis Enrique deems him fit.
With Atletico Madrid now behind them, PSG are in prime position to top Group B. While Dembele could potentially return for the final group-stage match against MLS side Seattle Sounders, Luis Enrique’s squad has already proven it can dominate even without its star winger on the field.
