Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele is facing a race against time to be fit for the Champions League final after sustaining a right calf muscle injury. The 29-year-old was substituted early during PSG's final Ligue 1 fixture on Sunday, prompting immediate concerns over his participation in the highly anticipated showdown against Arsenal, scheduled for 30 May in Budapest.
Injury Details and Initial Reaction
PSG manager Luis Enrique initially attributed the substitution to fatigue, but the club later clarified that Dembele was removed as a precautionary measure due to discomfort in his calf. The French international is now receiving treatment, and the medical staff are working diligently to assess the severity of the issue. Dembele has been a pivotal figure for PSG this season, contributing significantly to their domestic and European campaigns.
Impact on France's World Cup Preparations
The injury also places a cloud over Dembele's involvement in the upcoming World Cup. He was named in Didier Deschamps' squad and is expected to play a crucial role for Les Bleus, who are among the tournament favourites after winning the title in 2018 and finishing as runners-up in 2022. France will begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal on 16 June.
PSG and the French national team will monitor Dembele's recovery closely over the coming days. The club remains hopeful that he will be available for the final, but no definitive timeline has been provided. The injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on top players during a congested season.
