Luis Enrique plays down tensions with Deschamps after injuries to Dembélé and Doué

On the day before Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 clash with RC Lens, Luis Enrique faced questions regarding the latest spat between his club and the French national team following injuries to Ousmane Dembélé (27) and Désiré Doué (19) during international duty. The PSG manager, however, was quick to dampen any suggestion of conflict with Didier Deschamps.

Both players picked up injuries in France’s friendly against Ukraine – Dembélé suffering a hamstring tear after just 35 minutes, while Doué, who had already been carrying discomfort before joining Les Bleus, sustained a calf problem after a heavy challenge. The double blow left PSG frustrated with the French medical staff, but Luis Enrique refused to inflame the situation.

“Nothing I say, positive or negative, will improve the health of the injured players,” explained the Spaniard in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, transcribed by RMC Sport. “That is the most important thing. We remain focused on that. I have nothing to add.”

With both wingers unavailable, PSG will have to adjust offensively for Sunday’s match at the Parc des Princes. Bradley Barcola and summer signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are the obvious candidates to fill the wide roles, but Luis Enrique also namechecked Ibrahim Mbaye (17),  as another possible option.

GFFN | George Boxall