The scenario that Luis Enrique feared has happened. Wednesday evening, on the Moustoir pitch, PSG’s victory against Lorient gave way to a worrying image: that of Désiré Doué, grimacing in pain, carried on a stretcher under the stunned looks of his teammates. Starting for the 10th day of Ligue 1, the young French international collapsed after an acceleration, immediately holding his right thigh. His inability to put his foot on the ground left no room for doubt: the injury is serious.
Gifted taken out on a stretcher: PSG’s nightmare
The first examinations carried out in the evening raised fears of a muscle tear, or even a deep strain. Nothing official yet, but the PSG medical staff expects unavailability for several weeks. According to
RMC Sportthe pain felt by the player would suggest a significant injury. Enough to compromise its participation in the next decisive meetings: Nice this weekend, then Bayern Munich in the Champions League from November 4. For Luis Enrique, it is a real headache, because Doué had established himself as a key element of his offensive system.
His start to the season, although hampered by a first calf injury contracted during the selection in September, suggested a return to strength. Three goals and an assist in six games, an encouraging increase in pace before this new alert. Bad luck plagues the 20-year-old, whose repeated injuries now call into question the management of his physical load.
This relapse comes barely a month after his first convalescence. The Parisian staff, already heated by the previous dispute with the French Football Federation over the use of Doué, fears a scenario of overwork. In Lorient, the scene of his exit – closed face, hand on thigh – chilled the Parisian bench.
A hard blow for PSG and the Blues
This injury does not only penalize PSG. Doué was to be part of Didier Deschamps’ next list for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With his almost certain withdrawal, the Blues lose a versatile offensive option, capable of evolving between the lines and bringing creativity. For the club as for the selection, the timing is disastrous, at a time when the calendar promises to be hellish.
Pending the official press release from PSG, caution remains in order. But one thing is certain: Désiré Doué’s season has just turned upside down, and Luis Enrique will quickly have to find a plan B to compensate for the absence of a player who has already become essential to his offensive balance.
