Why isn’t Ousmane Dembele playing for PSG against Seattle Sounders in FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Paris Saint-Germain are set to face the Seattle Sounders on Matchday 3 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as they battle for the top spot in Group B. With a win crucial to avoid any surprises against the MLS side, fans were left surprised by the absence of Ousmane Dembele from the French squad.
Luis Enrique’s team is coming off a stunning 1-0 defeat to Botafogo — the reigning Copa Libertadores champions — where they failed to find the back of the net against goalkeeper John. With this unexpected result, PSG’s qualification for the Round of 16 could be in jeopardy if they don’t secure a positive outcome.
The former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund winger is considered one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or, and fans were eager to watch him shine on the Club World Cup stage, just as he did during PSG’s Champions League campaign. However, Dembele has yet to play a single minute and won’t start on Monday against the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field.
Why is Dembele out vs. Seattle Sounders?
Ousmane Dembele won’t feature for PSG against Seattle as he continues to recover from a quadriceps injury in his left leg. The injury occurred during France’s UEFA Nations League semifinal clash against Spain, and since then, he has struggled to regain full fitness and return to action.
Luis Enrique addressed the possibility of Dembélé making his return against Seattle, offering a candid update: “Ousmane Dembele has been in training this week. We are going to see how he feels tomorrow. I don’t like to take risks with my players. We will see tomorrow, but I don’t think so.”
The day after the loss to Botafogo, Dembele rejoined full training with his teammates for the first time since arriving in the US. Despite the encouraging progress, the Spanish manager opted not to rush his star winger back, leaving him out of the squad for the clash against the MLS side. The hope remains that he could be available for a potential Round of 16 matchup.