MARCH 26, 2026 – France manager Didier Deschamps is facing a potential setback ahead of the team’s friendly match against Brazil on Thursday evening, as star forward Ousmane Dembélé sustained a thigh injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s recent Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. The injury raises concerns about his availability for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and casts a shadow over the reigning Ballon d’Or winner’s early season form.
The injury occurred just 25 minutes into PSG’s match against Bayern Munich, moments after Dembélé thought he had equalized for his team. This latest setback continues a frustrating season for the 28-year-old, who was awarded the Ballon d’Or less than two months ago. Prior to the Champions League match, Dembélé had already been dealing with a hamstring injury sustained although playing for France in September, and had recently overcome a scare in a Ligue 1 match against Nice.
“It hurts, it hurts so bad,” Dembélé reportedly told teammate Achraf Hakimi immediately after sustaining the injury, according to reports. The extent of the injury is currently unknown, but it has prompted Deschamps to address the situation ahead of announcing his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Deschamps expressed his sorrow over Dembélé’s recent injury struggles. “I’m especially sad for Ous. Last season, he was spared from injury, and now he’s been hit with a string of injuries,” Deschamps said. He was quick to emphasize, however, that he wouldn’t allow the situation to escalate the ongoing tension between the French national team, and PSG. “Not having him with us isn’t good. But don’t count on me to add fuel to the fire [with PSG]. I’m not interested in controversy. We have one thing in common: his absence isn’t good for PSG or for us. I hope he recovers quickly,” Deschamps added.
The injury comes at a particularly sensitive time, given the existing friction between France and PSG. The relationship has been strained by disagreements over player management and release for international duty. Deschamps’ careful wording suggests a desire to de-escalate the situation, focusing instead on the shared concern for Dembélé’s well-being and his impact on both club and country.
While Deschamps has refrained from commenting extensively on the specifics of the injury, reports indicate that the team medical staff are assessing the severity of the damage. The French national team will be hoping for positive news, as Dembélé’s absence would be a significant blow to their attacking options. His dribbling ability, pace, and goal-scoring threat make him a key component of Deschamps’ tactical plans.
Interestingly, teammate Dayot Upamecano has been released from the France squad ahead of the match against Colombia, but this is unrelated to Dembélé’s injury. Le Figaro reported that Upamecano’s release is for personal reasons and does not indicate any new injury concerns within the squad.
The situation with Dembélé also raises questions for PSG. The club invested heavily in the player, and his frequent injuries are hindering his ability to consistently contribute to the team’s success. Le10Sport highlighted that PSG now faces another problem with Dembélé, potentially impacting their ambitions in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
Deschamps’ comments suggest a pragmatic approach to the situation. While acknowledging the importance of Dembélé to the national team, he is prioritizing a calm and constructive dialogue with PSG. This approach is likely aimed at ensuring that the player receives the best possible care and support, regardless of the underlying tensions between the two organizations.
The upcoming friendly against Brazil will serve as an important opportunity for Deschamps to assess his squad’s depth and experiment with different tactical approaches. The match, scheduled for 9 p.m. CET on Thursday, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as France prepares for its World Cup qualifying campaign. The team will need to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of Dembélé’s potential absence.
The focus now shifts to the results of Dembélé’s medical evaluation. A clearer picture of his condition is expected in the coming days, which will determine his availability for both PSG and the French national team. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for the Ballon d’Or winner, allowing him to return to the pitch and showcase his talent on the world stage.
What’s Next: The French national team will play Brazil on Thursday evening (9 p.m. CET). Further updates on Dembélé’s condition are expected following the match and subsequent medical assessments. The team will then prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with the squad announcement anticipated shortly.
What are your thoughts on Dembélé’s injury and its impact on France? Share your opinions in the comments below!
