Ousmane Dembele Set for PSG Return Against Tottenham After Injury Layoff

Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a major boost ahead of their Champions League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur, as Ousmane Dembele is expected to make his return from injury. The Ballon d’Or winner has missed the past three weeks after suffering a calf problem during PSG’s last European outing against Bayern Munich, in which he was forced off midway through the first half.

The injury ruled Ousmane Dembele out of France’s international fixtures and PSG’s 2-0 Ligue 1 win over Le Havre on Saturday. However, there is now light at the end of the tunnel for the French winger, who has resumed full training and looks set to be included in the matchday squad. Manager Luis Enrique provided an encouraging update at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“He trained well,” Enrique said when asked about Dembele’s condition. “We’ll see tomorrow. If there’s no problem, he’ll be in the squad.” The Spanish coach, however, stressed the need for caution, insisting PSG would not take unnecessary risks with a player of Dembele’s importance. “Every time there’s a return of an injured player, it’s difficult to manage that situation,” Enrique explained. “We are of course more attentive than usual.”

Wednesday’s clash at the Parc des Princes promises to be another high-stakes affair between the two clubs, who met earlier this season in the UEFA Super Cup. On that occasion, Tottenham raced into a 2-0 lead with an excellent display before PSG mounted a stunning late comeback, scoring twice in the final five minutes to force a penalty shootout. The French champions eventually triumphed from the spot, though Enrique admitted his side’s performance early in that contest left plenty to be desired.

“The match against Tottenham is a good memory because it ends well,” Enrique recalled, “but the first 60 minutes are a bad memory. We are now better prepared to dominate the match.”

Tottenham, meanwhile, arrive in Paris desperate for a response following their humiliating 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday — a result that has piled pressure on manager Thomas Frank. Enrique acknowledged Spurs’ tactical flexibility but remained confident in his side’s approach. “We’re ready for any system,” he said. “Whether they play with four or five at the back, our goal is clear — to dominate, keep the ball, and impose our rhythm.”