Did PSG Criticize France Over Dembele and Doue Injuries?

Paris, Sep 7 (NationPress) Paris Saint-Germain has openly condemned the French Football Federation following injuries to pivotal players Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, labeling the situation as both serious and completely preventable. The club is now urging the creation of a new coordination framework between club and national team medical personnel.

Dembele and Doue are projected to be sidelined for six and four weeks, respectively, due to muscle injuries sustained during France's match against Ukraine. Reports suggest that PSG is extremely displeased with head coach Didier Deschamps regarding this issue.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the Ligue 1 champions criticized the national team setup, alleging that they caused substantial sporting harm to both players and the club. They are calling for immediate and significant changes.

PSG asserted that they had provided detailed medical evaluations outlining the physical limitations and injury risks for their players prior to the international break, but claimed these assessments were disregarded by the national team's medical staff. The club also pointed out the complete absence of communication and collaboration with their medical department.

"Following the confirmation of injuries to its players called up to the French national team, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue -- which has serious sporting consequences for both the players and the club -- Paris Saint-Germain sent a letter to the French Football Federation urgently advocating for a new medical-sports coordination protocol between clubs and the national team, emphasizing the necessity for a more transparent and collaborative approach that prioritizes player health and their medical support," the statement read.

"Paris Saint-Germain, which closely monitors its players' medical needs throughout the year and possesses precise and detailed information, had furnished the Federation with specific medical insights, even before the commencement of the French national team's training session, regarding the workload its players could handle and the risk of injury. The club regrets that these medical recommendations were overlooked by the national team's medical staff and expresses concern over the total lack of consultation with its medical teams," it added.

PSG further called for a structured coordination protocol between clubs and the national team to prevent such injuries.

"Paris Saint-Germain, reaffirming its commitment to the federal mission and to the French team, which is a shared objective, hopes that these unfortunate events will lead to the establishment of a new formalized framework for medical coordination, ensuring systematic, documented, and reciprocal exchanges between club and national team medical teams, as well as adherence to a reinforced precautionary principle when summoning and utilizing players, especially those currently undergoing treatment for a condition," the statement concluded.

The serious and preventable incidents must prompt immediate corrective measures. The Club is prepared to actively engage in this collective effort, prioritizing the interests of the players and professional football as a whole.

Dembele was substituted into France's match against Ukraine at halftime on Friday but had to leave the field in the 81st minute, clutching his right hamstring. PSG confirmed on Saturday that the Ballon d'Or hopeful had suffered a serious hamstring injury.

Doue also sustained an injury during the same match, leaving at halftime with a strain in his right calf. PSG indicated he is expected to be out for around four weeks.

Consequently, both players will be unavailable for PSG's crucial Champions League clash against Barcelona on October 1, along with several other important domestic and European matches.