Ousmane Dembélé experienced immense joy… and a little fear. Crowned European champion for the second consecutive year with PSG after the victory against Arsenal in the Champions League final (1-1, 4-3 on penalties), the French striker played a key role in scoring the equalizing goal from the penalty spot.
But the evening could have taken a very different turn. In the 93rd minute, the reigning Ballon d’Or requested his substitution after appearing to have discomfort in the back of his thigh. Unable to continue his efforts, he immediately aroused concern less than two weeks before the start of the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ultimately, more fear than harm. After the meeting, the French international quickly reassured about his state of health. “It was cramps!” In the 80th minute, it was hot…” he explained after the match, quoted by Foot Mercato. A statement which should relieve Didier Deschamps.
Direction Clairefontaine
The Blues coach will be able to count on his star striker for the assembly of the France team. Dembélé will join Clairefontaine in the coming days alongside several of his Parisian teammates: Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. William Saliba, unhappy finalist with Arsenal, will also join the French group.
The Blues staff should, however, take care of the players who played in the Champions League final. They are not expected for the first preparation match against Ivory Coast on June 4 in Nantes. A second friendly match is planned against Northern Ireland a few days later in Lille, before leaving for the United States. The 2022 world vice-champions will begin their World Cup on June 16 against Senegal at MetLife Stadium, before facing Iraq and Norway in Group I.
