PSG injury update: will Dembélé be back in time for Chelsea UCL first leg

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique spoke to reporters ahead of his team’s Ligue 1 meeting with Monaco in Round 24. The Asturian manager confirmed that Ousmane Dembélé will return to the squad after the injury he suffered on February 17, opening the door for the Ballon d’Or contender to potentially feature this Friday as PSG begin preparing for their Champions League Round of 16 tie against Chelsea.

“It’s very good news whenever you have players coming back,” Luis Enrique said when discussing the return of Dembélé and Mayulu. “That’s the case with Dembélé and Mayulu. We’re expecting them for this game. Then we need to analyze the exact physical condition of each player and act accordingly.”

Asked whether Friday’s game could offer clues ahead of the Champions League clash, the PSG coach suggested the matchup may provide a useful preview. “It depends on the opponent,” he said. “In this case it will be similar because Monaco is a Champions League team. We’re going to face a great team and the game will resemble a Champions League match.”

Luis Enrique also dismissed the idea that his team might be suffering from mental fatigue following recent performances. “No. You’re always looking for problems,” he told reporters. “We’re in the same state as when we beat Marseille 5–0. I’ve analyzed every game my team has played and everything is normal. But in a season there are better and worse moments.”

The Spanish coach declined to reveal whether the same lineup could start against Chelsea next week. “I have to do what’s best for the team,” he explained. “But that’s the same for every coach. After the game you’ll see what I believe is best.”

On Monaco’s possible approach to the match, Luis Enrique avoided speculation about the opponent’s tactics. “What I can say is what our mentality will be during our work,” he said. “It depends on many things. That’s not a question for me – it’s a question for the Monaco coach.”

Luis Enrique also addressed Bradley Barcola’s recent scoring form, urging patience when comparing seasons or players. “It’s not right to make comparisons between players from one season to another,” he said. “Barcola has played a lot and he’s played well. I’m happy with what I see. We expect even better things from Barcola.”

Looking ahead to the Champions League showdown with Chelsea, the PSG coach emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum domestically. “What I always want to see are positive things around the team,” he said. “We’re waiting for the next opponent in the Champions League. In the league we’ve had difficulties, but we’re first. We know how important this month is to remain at the top of the championship. We’re in the position we want.”

Finally, Luis Enrique brushed aside suggestions that injuries could be influenced by players thinking about the upcoming World Cup. “Maybe they should rest a little, right? So they arrive in good shape for the World Cup?”he said with a smile. “There’s nothing to say about that. They’re professionals and I’m always happy when the World Cup comes around. I’m the coach of this team because I trust my players. Of course we want all of them to play in the World Cup. But right now we have to focus on the club. In the future we’ll wish the players a great tournament.”

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