Dembélé's Comeback Spark: PSG's European Gamble and the Tottenham Tease

Dembélé's Recovery and Tottenham Showdown

Ousmane Dembélé, PSG and France winger, is racing against time to return to action this year, eyeing a comeback that could shape PSG's season and the upcoming European tests. The 26-year-old has been out since suffering a leg muscle injury against Bayern Munich on November 4, a 2-1 defeat that left Paris wondering when their star would resume training. The injury kept him out of France's squad this month as Les Bleus sealed World Cup qualification for 2026 with wins over Ukraine and Azerbaijan, a tournament staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico with 48 teams.

Dembélé has battled injuries this season and only recently rejoined full training ahead of the Le Havre match, but he was not declared fully fit to feature as PSG won 3-0. L'Équipe reported that the winger is on the mend, yet his availability for the Tottenham clash in the Champions League on Wednesday remains under close scrutiny. A PSG source said Dembélé understands his improvement but cautions persist with three days left before the trip to London, where Tottenham are hoping to rebound after a heavy 1-4 defeat to Arsenal in the London derby.

PSG's European Quest and League Momentum

The French paper notes the star's history of injuries means the club will pace his return, even as the coaching staff, under Spanish boss Luis Enrique, watched him train with the first team. It is expected that the final call will come after Monday's session following the squad's light break, with an all-clear signal possibly delivered only then. L'Équipe also stressed that Dembélé remains highly motivated to face Tottenham, while his form this season has been modest, tallying five goals and three assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.

Enrique, meanwhile, defended PSG's summer acquisitions after the 3-0 victory over Le Havre, saying every match differs, and he trusts his goalkeepers and new signings as the team chases a demanding schedule. The coach noted Lucas Chevalier remains capable, while newcomers Elia Zabarny and Renato Marin are adapting to the demands of a club where speculation is constant and clean sheets can feel like a luxury. Reclaiming top spot in Ligue 1, amidst fierce battles with Marseille and Lens, remains important as December approaches and the calendar fills with key fixtures across all competitions.

PSG's season has blended domestic success with a strong continental start, as they won the European Super Cup on penalties against Tottenham after a 2-2 draw, and began the Champions League group phase with wins over Atalanta, Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen, before a narrow defeat to Bayern Munich in the fourth game. In Ligue 1 this term, Paris has nine wins, one defeat to Marseille, and three draws, with wins over Nantes, Angers, Toulouse, Lens, and Nice lighting the path forward.

These results reflect a PSG accustomed to handling pressure and a squad that remains optimistic about its ability to compete on multiple fronts, even as injuries test their depth and rotation plans.

Punchline 1: If Dembélé stays healthy, PSG might finally win a season without needing a calendar to predict injuries.

Punchline 2: And if results falter, at least the transfer gossip will keep fans entertained longer than any highlight reel.