Paris Saint-Germain starts their Champions League title defense after winning the tournament for the first time last season. They face Atalanta at home for their opening match, but coach Luis Enrique will miss two key players: Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.
Dembele suffered an injury on Friday, September 5, while representing France in a UEFA qualifying match against Ukraine. He had been dealing with fitness issues, which is why he started the game on the bench.
After being substituted in the second half, he left the field due to discomfort. PSG confirmed that he has a right hamstring injury and will be out for about six weeks.
Doue is facing a similar situation. The young French forward also picked up an injury during the international break. Tests show he has a right calf strain, which will keep him out for around four weeks. This means PSG will start their Champions League campaign without two of their best offensive players.
Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain with the UEFA Super Cup trophy. (Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
PSG’s probable lineup vs Atalanta
With both forwards out, Luis Enrique is likely to give starting roles to Goncalo Ramos and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye in the front line, along with Bradley Barcola for the match against Atalanta.
Thus, PSG’s expected starting lineup for their Champions League opener is: Lucas Chevalier; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Ibrahim Mbaye, Goncalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola.