Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique is approaching the potential return of Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé with caution, emphasizing a step-by-step approach to reintegrate the winger into the squad. Dembélé, who recently won the Ballon d'Or for his performance last season, has been plagued with fitness issues this season, limiting him to only five starts for PSG.
Dembélé's most recent setback occurred three weeks prior in a 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, where he exited the match after just 25 minutes due to a calf problem. This injury followed a right hamstring injury sustained while playing for France in September, showcasing a pattern of recurring fitness concerns.
Ahead of PSG's Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur, Enrique addressed Dembélé's possible inclusion in the squad. He stated that Dembélé trained with his teammates and would be included in the squad "if there is no problem". However, Enrique stressed the importance of proceeding with caution, acknowledging the difficulties in managing a player returning from injury. "Each time an injured player comes back, it's difficult to know how to manage it," Enrique stated. "If we're talking about Ousmane, of course I'll be more attentive than usual. We would love to have Ousmane back, but we have to be careful".
Enrique's cautious approach reflects the club's desire to avoid further setbacks for the winger. PSG has already secured a Champions League title, with Dembélé playing a key role, including providing two assists in the final against Inter Milan. Enrique has also previously expressed his admiration for Dembélé, stating he would give Dembélé the Ballon d'Or for his leadership and defensive contribution. However, Enrique has also downplayed the significance of the Ballon d'Or, emphasizing Dembélé's personal qualities and energy as more important to the team. "He isn't the Ballon d'Or; he is Ousmane Dembélé. The person he is and the energy that he brings are more important to the team," said Enrique.
PSG has experienced mixed results in the Champions League this season. They won their first three matches before losing to Bayern Munich. They are currently fifth in the league phase, three points behind Bayern Munich. In addition to Dembélé, PSG faces further challenges with Désiré Doué and Achraf Hakimi also out for the match against Tottenham. Enrique congratulated Hakimi on winning the 2025 African Ballon d'Or but reiterated that the team's performance remains the primary focus.
With a busy schedule and key players returning from injury, Enrique is keen to ensure that Dembélé is fully fit before reintegrating him into the starting lineup.
