Dembélé’s Comeback Sparks PSG as They Gear Up for a Champions League Test
19 October 2025
Dembélé's comeback aims to ease Enrique's burden
Ousmane Dembélé, PSG and France winger, is poised to ease the pressure on coach Louis Enrique as he returns from a more-than-six-week layoff after a right thigh hamstring injury sustained on September 5 during World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Ukraine.
Paris Saint-Germain have won just once in their last four Ligue 1 matches, drawing twice and losing to their eternal rivals Marseille, who have surged to the top after eight rounds.
French newspaper Le Parisien reported that Dembélé, the Ballon d'Or winner this year, is preparing to rejoin the squad ahead of Tuesday's Champions League group-stage clash with Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena.
He is part of the squad travelling to Germany on Monday, ready for a high-stakes night that could shape Group B's order in Europe’s premier club competition.
Though cleared for training and matches, the 2025 Ballon d'Or laureate is expected to feature off the bench rather than reclaiming a starting spot, as Enrique manages his lineup after the lengthy absence.
PSG's form, standings and European test
In Ligue 1, Marseille sits on top with 18 points after a 6-2 victory over Le Havre, while PSG occupies second place with 17. Strasbourg sit third with 16, Lyon fourth with 15, and Monaco fifth on 14; Lille hover nearby as the table tightens.
PSG's recent results include a 3-3 draw with Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes and a 1-1 stalemate with Lille in the run-up to the international break; Monaco also drew with Angers, while Lyon slipped to a 2-3 defeat against Nice.
Looking ahead, PSG head to Leverkusen for Tuesday’s test, while Marseille host Sporting Lisbon, Monaco welcome Tottenham Hotspur, and Lyon travel to Basel in the Europa League; Strasbourg face Jagiellonia in the Conference League.
PSG's Ligue 1 record stands at five wins and one loss, with their only defeat coming against Marseille in the classic. They also secured wins over Nantes, Angers (both 1-0), Toulouse (6-3), Lens (2-0), and Auxerre (2-0), with two draws preceding the international break.
Before the break, they drew away to Lille 1-1 and hosted Strasbourg to a 3-3 thriller at the Parc des Princes.
Punchline 1: If football is a sniper’s sport, Dembélé’s back and PSG’s timing might finally stop the goalposts from filing a report for harassment.
Punchline 2: The only thing sharper than a well-aimed shot is a ball finding the net after a six-week cameo—PSG seems to have discovered both in one week.
