Dembele Injury Puts PSG in Painful Spotlight as Enrique Races to Lock Horns with Metz

PSG Ready for Metz Despite Injury Woes

Paris Saint-Germain manager Louis Enrique said the team is fully prepared for Metz, stressing that injuries do not excuse any dip in performance or results.

PSG will host Metz at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 matchday 23, seeking to strengthen their position in the title race.

Standings, Challenge, and Key Quotes

PSG sit second on 51 points, one point behind leaders Lens, making victory essential to reclaim the top spot or at least keep up the pressure.

In a Friday press conference, Enrique spoke frankly about the current challenges, notably the recurring injuries that limit squad rotation.

He described Dembele's injury from the Monaco match as a "painful blow" that keeps him out of the Metz game.

We also see a brief match recap block showing PSG vs Metz; the date 21 February 2026 and other match details underline the upcoming challenge.

Enrique said the club handles injuries with caution: "We know the players well; we avoid risking them. Injuries are part of top-level football, and we must accept that."

He added: "Tomorrow's test is tough; matches against lower-ranked teams are always complicated. The key is to win and adjust our approach to do so without overcomplication."

Regarding the title race with Lens, he said: "I don't know if Lens feels pressure, but what the team shows proves it is special and worthy of the lead. This is a strong motivator."

He also acknowledged difficulty in making changes due to injuries: "We can't rotate too many players; injuries are recurring (three or four in some games). We must seize every opportunity and manage it as best as possible."

Concluding, he rejected direct comparisons with last season: "Comparisons are hard; opponents' level changes year to year. We won't use injuries as excuses, focusing on what we can do now to reach our goals."

All this comes as PSG balance domestic title hopes with preparations for crucial Champions League ties, making the Metz match a genuine test of resilience and focus.

Sniper joke: If injuries were a player, PSG would sign him for life—he's always benched, never on the pitch.

Sniper joke: In PSG's locker room, the only thing more crowded than the trophy cabinet is the physiotherapist's chair.