France has drawn heavy criticism from Paris Saint-Germain concerning their handling of Ousmane Dembélé (28). The winger was introduced as a second-half substitute during Friday night`s 2-0 victory over Ukraine but lasted less than 35 minutes before being forced off due to a hamstring injury.
Dembélé had previously sustained an injury to his left thigh during a match against Toulouse. Consequently, he did not start Friday`s game, but was brought on as a substitute following a calf injury to his PSG teammate, Désiré Doué.
Didier Deschamps defended his decision post-match, stating, “I was confident he could play, otherwise I wouldn’t have put him in. Moreover, it was his other thigh,” explained the France manager. The injury occurred when Dembélé attempted to accelerate, but it immediately became apparent that he was unable to continue.
According to L’Équipe, PSG is “furious” with France – and Deschamps – over their management of Dembélé. PSG`s medical staff reportedly believe they had already informed Les Bleus` medical team that the winger was not in a suitable condition to play, even before the international break commenced.
Dembélé is scheduled for an MRI scan to determine the severity of the injury, although Deschamps has already indicated that the winger`s international duty is almost certainly over.
