Injury Concerns at Paris Saint-Germain
Amid growing injury concerns at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), coach Luis Enrique remains unfazed despite the sidelining of captain Marquinhos due to a left thigh injury. Following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against arch-rivals Marseille, in which Marquinhos inadvertently scored an own goal, the Brazilian defender reported feeling discomfort after the game. As a precaution, he is expected to be unavailable until after the upcoming international break in October.
Injury List and Team Performance
Marquinhos is not alone on the injury list; he joins prominent teammates including Ballon d’Or recipient Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and João Neves. The team has had a demanding schedule, playing over 60 matches during the 2024-25 season, along with a series of games in the summer Club World Cup.
Coach’s Perspective
Addressing the media in preparation for PSG’s next Ligue 1 fixture against Auxerre, Enrique remarked, “That’s football, that’s competition, that’s reality! You have to adapt. I’m not worried; injuries are a natural part of contact sports at this level. We have a talented roster, and the club has effective plans in place. This is just a normal part of life in football.”
However, Enrique did acknowledge the challenge posed by Marquinhos’s absence, especially with a significant match against Barcelona looming in the near future.
“Towards the end of the match against Marseille, Marquinhos indicated that he was feeling a slight pain, which is why we’re being cautious. After such an intense game, it’s not uncommon to have these issues. It’s unfortunate for us and for him as our captain, but I believe we are well-prepared to move forward,” he added.
Dembélé’s Achievement
In discussing Dembélé’s recent achievement as the Ballon d’Or winner, Enrique expressed pride in his player’s performance, highlighting the forward’s remarkable season where he netted 35 goals, eight of which contributed to PSG’s Champions League triumph.
“Being recognized as team of the year is what truly matters, and I think we earned this accolade based on our performance last season. Ousmane’s form has been fantastic, and seeing him honored in this way is wonderful for us all,” the coach stated. He reminisced fondly, stating, “I can still picture Ousmane holding the Ballon d’Or for our fans to celebrate, a moment I won’t soon forget.”
