This is the image that nobody wanted to see. This Tuesday, in Clairefontaine, when the French team was preparing its shocks against Ukraine and Iceland, a man was missing on the ground: Ousmane Dembélé. Affected by an ischio-leg in the last PSG match in Toulouse, the attacker follows a planned program. If the staff of the Blues wants to be reassuring, speaking of simple precaution, the concern is palpable. Because with Dembélé, as we know, a little discomfort can quickly turn into a nightmare.
The ghost of injuries resurfaces
The timing is terrible. In full swing with PSG, a big favorite for the Ballon d'Or, Dembélé finally seemed to have left his physical demons behind him. But this new ischio alert, an area that has often betrayed it in the past, brings back very bad memories. We remember his long absences, these spoiled seasons by repeated seeds. Are we right to worry? For the moment, no one wants to give in to panic. But an MRI is scheduled for the coming hours, and its verdict will be expected with unconted anxiety.
The situation is all the more frustrating since the other uncertain of the group, Ibrahima Konaté and Adrien Rabiot, were present in training. Dembélé is the only one on the side. And her absence, if she were to extend, would be a terrible blow for everyone.
When a simple embarrassment becomes a real concern for Dembélé
A demential calendar that will not forgive anything
For the Blues, first. Doing without your most impactful winger for the start of the World Cup qualifiers would be a major handicap. For PSG, then. The capital's club is preparing to start an infernal marathon, with the start of the Champions League against Atalanta, the Classico against OM, and a shock against Barça in early October. So many meetings where Dembélé's speed and creativity are essential.
For the moment, everyone crosses their fingers. We hope that this fear will only be a bad memory, a simple adventure in a season which must be that of its consecration. But in football, optimism is a fragile luxury. And with a player like Ousmane Dembélé, the concern is never far away.
