PSG: Strong decision for Ousmane Dembélé ahead of Lille clash

After a disappointing display against Rennes (2-2) last Sunday in Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé appeared to be struggling physically. The club has now granted him a week of rest.

Having only recently returned from vacation, Ousmane Dembélé will enjoy, in agreement with coach Luis Enrique and PSG's sporting management, a period of rest. "In agreement with the coach and sporting management, Ousmane Dembélé will be granted a period of rest over the coming days. He will rejoin training with the group on Monday," the official statement read on Tuesday evening.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or winner will therefore miss the blockbuster clash against Lille on Friday in the league.

Daniel Riolo suspects a punishment

While Paris Saint-Germain announced that Ousmane Dembélé will rest until next Monday and will therefore not play against Lille, French pundit Daniel Riolo is not buying the official line for a second.

See also: Atlético Madrid: Christophe Dugarry takes aim at Julian Alvarez

"Are we talking about a week of rest or can we just admit it's a hefty punishment? (...) These bumps in the road happen—it's club life. (...) When I read 'he's back Monday,' that's actually in a week, even though he had a special preparation and was ready to play. (...) If we're speculating, I wouldn't rule out a departure. I wouldn't fall off my chair," he told RMC.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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