Senny Mayulu Ruled Out of France U21 Camp with Calf Injury
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Senny Mayulu will miss the upcoming international break with France’s Under-21 team after sustaining a calf injury during PSG’s dominant 4-0 victory over Nice on Saturday. The injury throws a wrench into the plans of Les Bleuets head coach Gérald Baticle, who had included the promising 19-year-old in his squad for crucial Euro qualifying matches against Luxembourg and Iceland.
Mayulu, who has quickly become a key figure for PSG, felt a twinge in his calf just before halftime during the match at Allianz Riviera, prompting his substitution with Lucas Beraldo. Initial assessments have confirmed a “lesion to the right calf,” according to a club statement, and the Parisian will require approximately two weeks of recovery. This means Mayulu will be sidelined for the upcoming U21 fixtures scheduled for March 26th against Luxembourg and March 30th against Iceland, both vital in the qualifying campaign for the European Under-21 Championship.
Rising Star Sidelined at Crucial Moment
The injury comes as a blow to both PSG and the French national team setup. Mayulu has been steadily gaining prominence, showcasing his talent in both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League. He recently scored a crucial goal in PSG’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Chelsea, a testament to his growing influence within the squad. That goal, scored on March 19th, demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stage, and his absence will be felt by Baticle’s team.
Mayulu’s progression through the ranks has been impressive. He signed a fresh three-year youth contract with Paris Saint-Germain in June 2021, and his performances in the UEFA Youth League, including a winning goal against AC Milan’s U19s in October 2023, quickly drew attention. He made his professional debut for PSG in January 2024 in a Coupe de France match against Revel, and was subsequently integrated into the first team “elite group” alongside Ethan Mbappé and Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Impact on France U21’s Euro Qualifying Campaign
Baticle’s squad faces a challenging path to qualification for the Euro U21 tournament. The matches against Luxembourg and Iceland represent key opportunities to secure valuable points. Mayulu’s absence will undoubtedly require Baticle to adjust his midfield plans. The France U21 squad, as announced by Le Parisien, includes a mix of players from across Europe, with nine players currently competing in Ligue 1.
The full squad list includes goalkeepers Jaouen (Reims), Restes (Toulouse), and Risser (Lens); defenders Belocian (Wolfsburg), Ganiou (Lens), Kumbedi (Wolfsburg), Mawissa (Monaco), Sangui (Paris FC), Yoro (Manchester United), and Zézé (Neom); midfielders Atangana (Al-Ahli), Bouaddi (Lille), Canvot (Crystal Palace), Coulibaly (Monaco), Danois (Auxerre), and Ugochukwu (Burnley); and attackers Bahoya (Francfort), Bouabré (Al-Hilal), Cherif (Fenerbahçe), Diakhon (Bruges), Kroupi (Bournemouth), Tel (Tottenham), and Mayulu (PSG).
Positive News for PSG Ahead of Champions League Quarterfinals
Despite the setback with Mayulu, PSG received positive news regarding Kang-in Lee, who was too substituted during the match against Nice. Lee, replaced by Ousmane Dembélé in the 64th minute, is not suffering from a serious injury and is expected to be rested for South Korea’s upcoming match against Côte d’Ivoire.
More importantly for PSG, Mayulu is expected to recover in time for the Champions League quarterfinals against Liverpool, scheduled for April 8th and 14th. His return will be a significant boost for Luis Enrique’s side as they aim to progress further in the competition. The club will be hoping for a swift and full recovery for the young midfielder, who has quickly established himself as a valuable asset.
For now, Mayulu will focus on his rehabilitation, working with the PSG medical team to ensure a complete recovery. Fans will be eager to spot him back on the pitch, contributing to both PSG’s domestic and European ambitions. The next confirmed checkpoint for Mayulu will be his availability for selection ahead of the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Liverpool on April 8th.
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