French National Team Coach Reluctant To Fight With PSG Regarding Dembele And Doue's Injuries

Didier Deschamps emphasized that he did not want to clash with PSG (doc. FFF).

JAKARTA - The coach of the French National Team (Timnas), Didier Deschamps, confirmed that his team did not clash with Paris Saint-Germain after the Ligue 1 champion criticized the national team for the injuries suffered by two of their key players.

Two PSG players, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are in danger of being absent for six and four weeks each after experiencing problems in Les Bleus' opening win in Euro 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Ukraine (2-0) on September 6, 2025.

The Champions League champions issued a statement on Sunday, September 7, 2025, accusing the French national team of ignoring concrete medical information they have provided regarding workloads that it can bear its players and the risk of injury.

Dembele played for 36 minutes as a substitute in the second half in the win against Ukraine before being pulled out due to a hamstring problem. While Doue was pulled out in the first half with a calf injury.

The duo will now miss the start of the PSG season in defending the Champions League title, including the away match to Barcelona on October 1, 2025.

"What happened, yes, it has happened. I am very sad for Ousmane and Dez (Doue), for the injuries suffered because we lost two important players."

"We do everything professionally and progressively, as we do to every player, taking into account their feelings."

"Unfortunately, it happened and it concerns two PSG players. PSG is not our opponent, never, although we may have different interests and that's natural," said Deschamps.

Although PSG is still angry with the French national team, especially Deschamps, they still released Bradley Barcola in the match against Iceland, September 10, 2025.

Deschamps also summoned former Bayern Munich striker Kingsley Coman, who is now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, to strengthen his squad.

In that match, Les Bleus won 2-1, but with a red card stain Aurelien Tchouameni.

"I made the decision, I have my own staff and responsibilities. My main concern is seeing the condition of the players," said Deschamps.

Next, France will return to play two World Cup 2026 Qualification matches in October 2025, against Azerbaijan (11 October 2025 WIB) and Iceland (14 October 2025 WIB).

Deschamps is already preparing to change the composition of their squad after Dembele and Doue injuries.

"Changes, yes, most likely. Refreshment is important, while maintaining what has been done well".

"Island has evolved, with much more indirect play. They have evolved in their ability to attack and build attacks."

"We will face a great fight ahead of us," said Deschamps again.