Dembele's Fitness Hangs in Balance as PSG Prepares Star-Studded Lineup Against Inter Miami

Paris Saint-Germain is set to face Inter Miami CF in the round of 16 clash during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this Sunday.

The European titleholders, aside from an unexpected setback against Botafogo, delivered strong performances throughout the group phase, especially shining in their commanding 4–0 victory over Atlético Madrid in their opening match. They've secured one of the more manageable round of 16 matchups and are anticipated to advance to the quarterfinals without much difficulty.

PSG have been missing their offensive star and Ballon d'Or contender Ousmane Dembélé during the competition, though the French winger is nearing his comeback. He's working hard to return to what promises to be an outstanding starting formation.

Here's the potential lineup for the French powerhouse against Inter Miami.

PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-3-3)

GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—Donnarumma wasn't tested with any shots on target during the Seattle Sounders encounter and anticipates facing more action against Inter Miami, particularly with former teammate Lionel Messi spearheading their attack.

RB: Achraf Hakimi—The Moroccan defender has displayed remarkable scoring prowess in recent matches, finding the net five times across his previous ten outings for both club and national team.

CB: Marquinhos—The experienced center-back provides incredible calmness and leadership at the defensive core, with PSG depending on their captain to navigate challenging match situations.

CB: Willian Pacho—Pacho delivered an outstanding inaugural campaign with PSG during 2024–25 and has already secured two shutouts at the Club World Cup while maintaining his impressive form.

LB: Nuno Mendes—Few attacking fullbacks match the quality of Hakimi and Mendes, with the Portuguese player frequently granted license to make penetrating forward runs into opposition areas. He excels in individual duels across both defensive and attacking phases.

CM: João Neves—The compact Portuguese midfielder often gets overlooked beside his more prominent midfield colleagues, yet Neves remains equally crucial to PSG's ball retention with his superb passing range and aggressive defensive work.

CM: Vitinha—Serving as PSG's tempo-setter in midfield, it's unsurprising that Vitinha leads all tournament players in passes per 90 minutes at this stage. He represents the core of this exceptional squad.

CM: Fabián Ruiz—The Spanish creative midfielder possesses such elegant technique and will be eager to outmaneuver his experienced countryman Sergio Busquets in Atlanta.

RW: Désiré Doué—Rather unexpectedly, Doué hasn't yet recorded a goal or assist at the Club World Cup, though it would be risky to wager against the French talent breaking his drought in the knockout phase.

ST: Bradley Barcola—Dembélé might feature as a substitute against Inter Miami, with Senny Mayulu, Gonçalo Ramos and Barcola all vying for the central forward role in his continued absence. Barcola could emerge victorious in this competition.

LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—Kvaratskhelia has proven to be a constant threat to opposing left-backs throughout the Club World Cup, topping his PSG colleagues in shots attempted per 90 minutes.