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PSG Striker Dembélé Undergoes Calf Treatment Ahead of Final

ESPN Soccer •
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PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé will receive treatment for a right calf issue over the next few days, his club announced Monday. The France international was substituted after 27 minutes during Sunday’s 2-1 league loss to Paris FC, with coach Luis Enrique citing fatigue as the reason. This comes despite Dembélé’s pivotal role in PSG’s Champions League semifinal victory over Bayern Munich, where his early goal secured a 1-1 draw and a 6-5 aggregate win. The 23-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided seven assists this season, though nagging injuries limited his impact earlier in the campaign. His resilience in high-stakes matches like the Bayern clash underscores his value to the team’s title defense.

Dembélé’s current condition raises questions about his availability for the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest. Last season, he was instrumental in PSG’s Ligue 1 triumph, netting 21 goals and earning the Ballon d’Or. This season, however, his 10 goals and seven assists came with frequent absences, suggesting a recurring injury problem. The club’s decision to treat the calf proactively highlights concerns about his fitness ahead of a title showdown. While Dembélé remains a key attacker, his reduced minutes in Ligue 1 this season—compared to his 2024-25 form—reflects both injury management and tactical adjustments by Luis Enrique. The forward’s ability to perform under pressure, as seen in the Bayern match, makes his fitness critical for PSG’s chances.

The injury adds uncertainty to PSG’s quest for a second consecutive Champions League title. Dembélé’s early goal against Bayern was a turning point, and his availability could determine the team’s attacking strategy. If he plays, his experience in big matches could be decisive. However, if the calf issue persists, PSG may rely more on younger or healthier forwards. The club’s insistence on treating the injury as a precaution suggests they are weighing all options. For fans, Dembélé’s health symbolizes PSG’s broader challenge of balancing star power with consistency. A fit Dembélé could reignite the team’s attacking flair, while his absence might force reliance on less predictable options. Either way, the final against Arsenal will test how well Luis Enrique can manage his squad under pressure.