PSG Leaves Out Ousmane Dembélé for Club World Cup Debut Against Atlético Madrid
Pasadena's Showdown:
In a surprising turn of events, star player Ousmane Dembele was noticeably absent from Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) starting lineup for their thrilling Club World Cup opener against Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl.
Following PSG's triumphant 5-0 trouncing over Inter Milan two weeks ago to secure their first-ever Champions League title, Dembele was nowhere to be found in the team list. His absence was not just limited to the starting XI; he didn't make an appearance among the substitutes either.
It seems Dembele picked up an injury to his left quadriceps during France's UEFA Nations League semifinals against Spain on June 6. The 28-year-old talent has been a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or with his exceptional season for PSG.
In his stead, Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos got the nod in PSG's starting lineup against Atletico. Coach Luis Enrique opted to stick with the same starting XI as the one that delivered the blowout victory over Inter in Munich.
This season, Dembele exceeded expectations with an impressive 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances for PSG's treble-winning team across all competitions.
PSG, Atletico, Brazil's Botafogo, and Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders form one group in the Club World Cup. Though Dembele's injury may cast a shadow on PSG's chances, they'll certainly be eager to prove their mettle in this global tournament.
The precise timeline for Dembele's return remains uncertain. Club sources and French media outlet L’Équipe suggest Dembele may miss all group stage matches before July. However, the club is closely monitoring his recovery, and his return may be sooner rather than later depending on the progression of his injury. Let's hope Dembele is back on the pitch soon, lighting up the world stage with his unparalleled skills.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer
- Despite his impressive performance in the Champions League, Ousmane Dembele missed the Club World Cup tournament in Toronto due to an injury sustained during the UEFA Nations League semifinals.
- In Dembele's absence, news of Gonçalo Ramos's inclusion in Paris Saint-Germain's starting lineup for the Club World Cup has raised anticipation about the team's sporting exploits in Toronto, especially in the football category, where PSG will compete against other European leagues' representatives.
- While Dembele's absence may have adverse effects on PSG's group stage performance in the Club World Cup, sports enthusiasts across Europe and North America eagerly await updates on his recovery progress, as his return to the field could significantly boost his team's chances in the tournament.
