Why Dembélé Is Finishing Rehab in Doha: PSG’s Surprise Recovery Plan
1 octobre 2025
Why is Dembélé finishing rehab in Doha?
According to a French press report, Paris Saint-Germain has sent Ousmane Dembélé, the team's star and top scorer, to Doha to continue his medical and rehabilitation program at Aspetar, the world-renowned orthopedic hospital.
He sustained a right hamstring injury on September 5 during France's match against Ukraine in the Euro 2026 qualifiers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and PSG says he will be sidelined for six weeks. PSG's medical team will monitor progress weekly.
PSG noted in an official statement that the Ballon d'Or winner this year will miss six weeks, costing the team in crucial matches such as the Clasico against Marseille and the upcoming Barcelona meeting in Catalonia on matchday two of the Champions League.
Le Parisien reports that Dembélé isn't the first PSG player to complete rehab in Doha; the club has long used the same approach for serious injuries lasting more than five weeks, with former stars Neymar Jr., Presnel Kimpembe, Milan Škriniar, and Gabriel Moscardo among those treated there.
The Doha voyage fits a broader cooperation protocol between PSG and Aspetar, with the world medical center among six main sponsors and linked agreements allowing treatment there.
What comes next for Dembélé and PSG?
Sources close to the club say changing the environment can help the 28-year-old manage the mental strain of a long layoff, keep him calmer, and shield him from the buzz surrounding his recent Ballon d'Or triumph.
Officials say the remote setting will help Dembélé focus on the treatment plan under medical supervision and return to group training in peak condition.
Since joining PSG from Barcelona in the 2023 summer window for a reported €50 million, Dembélé signed a five-year deal through 2028 after six seasons at Barcelona, where he arrived from Borussia Dortmund for a total package exceeding €100 million.
To date, he has made 99 appearances for PSG, scoring 43 goals and providing 32 assists, with 10 bookings and a single red card. He remains one of the team's most versatile attackers.
PSG are hopeful he returns ahead of the Barcelona clash and helps push the campaign forward.
Two punchlines for the road: “If this rehab had injury time, Dembélé would still be warming up on the sideline.” And “When in Doha, even a hamstring gets a spa day—no sweat, just a little stretch and a lot of sun.”
