Paris Saint-Germain have criticised the French Football Federation (FFF) after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue picked up what the club described as “serious and avoidable” injuries on international duty.
Both players were forced off during France’s 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine on Friday. Dembele faces six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, while Doue will miss four weeks with a calf injury.
In a statement on Sunday, PSG said they had already provided the FFF with detailed medical information before the players joined Les Bleus, including guidance on workload and injury risks. The Ligue 1 champions accused the national team of failing to heed those warnings and of neglecting consultation with club doctors.
The club has now called for a new, transparent protocol that ensures systematic and reciprocal medical coordination between clubs and the French national team.
“PSG regret that these recommendations were not taken into account,” the statement read. “The serious and avoidable incidents must serve as a catalyst for change.”
France coach Didier Deschamps said he understood the club’s frustration but defended his medical staff, insisting there is “no such thing as zero risk”. He noted that players with pre-declared injuries, such as William Saliba and Rayan Cherki, were excused from duty after medical checks.
Dembele and Doue will miss PSG’s next Ligue 1 fixture and their Champions League opener against Atalanta on 17 September. Both are also doubts for the trip to Barcelona in early October.