Dembele Sidelined: The Real Reason PSG Star Misses Crucial Atletico Madrid Clash

Paris Saint-Germain will be without Ousmane Dembélé for their opening match against Atlético Madrid in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The French forward has been excluded from Luis Enrique's squad for this crucial fixture due to a medical issue. Dembélé sustained a left quadriceps injury while playing for France in the UEFA Nations League earlier this month.

While the injury isn't considered severe, Dembélé wasn't able to recover in time for the Atlético Madrid clash at the Rose Bowl. Gonçalo Ramos, who netted 18 goals across all competitions for PSG last season, will instead spearhead the Parisian attack.

The absence of Dembélé represents a significant setback for PSG, as the 28-year-old delivered a Ballon d'Or-caliber performance for the French club. The France international contributed an impressive 33 goals and 13 assists during PSG's quadruple-winning 2024–25 campaign, which culminated in the club securing their first Champions League trophy.

PSG aims to continue their winning momentum in this summer's expanded tournament held in the United States. While Enrique's squad is widely considered among the favorites to claim the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, they must first navigate what is arguably the competition's most challenging group.

The most formidable challenge for PSG in Group B will come from Diego Simeone's side. Following a trophy-less season, Atlético Madrid will be motivated to make an impression against the reigning European champions, particularly with Dembélé sidelined.

The responsibility will fall on Ramos, along with Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, to penetrate Atlético Madrid's solid defensive setup and launch PSG's 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a victory.