Leverkusen, October 21 (Daily Kiran): Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Ousmane Dembélé has returned to the squad ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, marking his comeback after a six-week injury layoff.
The Ballon d’Or-winning forward had suffered a hamstring injury in early September while playing for France and underwent treatment at a specialist clinic in Qatar. He resumed full training last week, providing a major boost to coach Luis Enrique, whose side has been hit hard by injuries this season.
Although Dembélé did not feature in PSG’s 3–3 draw against Strasbourg on Friday, he is expected to get some minutes on the field in Germany as PSG aim for their third consecutive Champions League victory this season.
Leverkusen defender and France teammate Loïc Badé praised Dembélé ahead of the fixture, saying, “There’s no secret formula to stop him. He’s a complete player with extraordinary talent — two-footed, unpredictable, and dangerous at any moment. The only way to stop him is through collective defending and staying compact as a unit.”
Meanwhile, PSG received a double boost with the return of forwards Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the previous match. However, midfielders Fabián Ruiz and João Neves remain sidelined due to injuries. Team captain Marquinhos, who recently recovered, has also traveled with the squad to Germany.
Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag in September, acknowledged PSG’s aggressive pressing style as both “a weapon and a risk.” He said, “They’re a fantastic team and have improved since last season. But we have our own strengths, and we believe in our system. We’ll look to impose our style and take our chances.”
Reigning Bundesliga champions Leverkusen have drawn both their opening Champions League group-stage matches — against FC Copenhagen and PSV Eindhoven — and will be seeking their first win in Europe this season.
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