PSG Criticizes France for Injuries, Demands New Medical Protocol

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has strongly criticized the French Football Federation and national team coach Didier Deschamps following injuries to key players Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué during France's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine. Dembélé is sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury, while Doué faces a four-week absence due to a calf strain, causing significant sporting consequences for PSG, including missed crucial fixtures such as the Champions League match against Barcelona. PSG accuses the national team medical staff of ignoring detailed medical information and workload limits provided by the club, demanding the establishment of a new, transparent coordination protocol between club and national team medical departments to prioritize player health. Despite PSG's criticism, Deschamps defended his decisions, asserting that Dembélé was fit to play and that risks were minimized. The dispute highlights broader concerns about player welfare amid congested match schedules, with calls for stricter injury protocols and better collaboration between clubs and national teams. PSG insists that immediate corrective action and improved communication are essential to prevent similar injuries in the future.