The focus heading into the decisive clash has not only been on tactics and form, but also on squad availability. Injuries have limited PSG’s options in recent weeks, raising questions about whether key players will be ready in time for such an important match.

The biggest absentee will be Ousmane Dembele, who was forced off during the first half of the first leg — raising the question of what happened to him and why he was subbed off by PSG against Monaco. Since then, the French winger has not fully rejoined group training, leaving him out for the return fixture at the Parc des Princes.

Why isn’t Dembele playing today for PSG vs Monaco?

Dembele is missing PSG’s second leg against Monaco due to a calf injury. A medical update from PSG revealed that he resumed individual training, though he has yet to return to full team sessions. That explains why he wasn’t included by PSG on their matchday squad to face Monaco.

PSG lineup vs Monaco

With Dembele unavailable, the starting XI against Monaco looks like this: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Per Fabrizio Romano, the French superstar needed to be subbed off with an injury against Monaco. PSG were losing the game at the time of the substitution, making it an uphill battle, plus the added concern of how much Dembele hurt. At the end of the first half, PSG were able to tie the game at 2-2.

While PSG will obviously want to have Dembele fit, this time it came as a blessing in disguise. Luis Enrique sent Desiré Doué to the field for Dembele, and the French prospect scored almost immediately to pull one back as his team was losing 2-0. Then, moments before halftime, Achraf Hakimi scored the equalizer.

Dembele has a long list of injuries

Dembele winning Ballon d’Or was a huge redemption story after his ill-fated time in Barcelona. He went from prospect, to a player that never fulfilled his hype, to Ballon d’Or. However, what’s always been a detriment to his career is his long injury history. According to TransferMarkt, Dembele has missed 162 games in his career due to injury.

Just in the 2025-26 season, Dembele has been injured for 73 days with four different injuries, missing 11 games. Dembele has missed games this season due to hamstring and calf injuries, as well as fitness and illnesses. Now, PSG will be on the fence once again with the status of one of their best players.

PSG have plenty of depth offensively

Thankfully for the Parisians, they have plenty of options offensively to take care of Dembele while he recovers. Players like Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desiré Doué, Ibrahim Mbaye, and even Gonçalo Ramos can play instead of Dembele.

While Dembele has all the talent in the world, PSG have the depth to try and not miss him. Still, when he is on the pitch, he is usually a difference-maker. For PSG’s sake, hopefully Dembele is able to return sooner rather than later.

The absence of their star winger adds intrigue to the clash, forcing Luis Enrique to rely on PSG’s squad depth. Flamengo may look to exploit the change, but the French side has several creative and experienced players ready to maintain pressure in attack.

Despite this challenge, PSG remain confident. Players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Lee Kang-In are expected to lead the offensive effort, supporting the team’s dynamic structure and helping bridge the gap left by Dembele.

Confirmed replacement for Dembele

To cover for Dembele’s absence, Luis Enrique has entrusted Desire Doue with a starting role on the wing. PSG aim to leverage Doue’s agility and energy to retain width and pace in attack, integrating him seamlessly into the 4‑3‑3 formation.

Here is PSG’s confirmed XI for today’s game against Flamengo: Safonov; Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Warren Zaire‑Emery; Fabian, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Lee Kang-In, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

With voting details now confirmed, Messi’s choices reflected a balance between proven excellence and evolving brilliance. His selections placed current form, impact, and consistency at the center of the conversation—factors that often define the award’s outcome.

As debates ripple across the soccer world, Messi’s votes, outlined in FIFA’s official voting breakdown, add important context to the final podium and sharpen comparisons among three of the most discussed names of the season.

How did Lionel Messi rank Dembele, Mbappe, and Yamal?

Serving as Argentina’s captain, Messi cast his vote with Ousmane Dembele in first place, followed by Mbappe second and Yamal third. The order mirrors a year in which Dembele’s influence and production consistently stood out across competitions.

Messi’s ranking also underscores a clear hierarchy, with five points awarded to Dembele, three to Mbappe, and one to Yamal—rewarding sustained elite performance while still acknowledging Mbappe’s continued impact and Yamal’s rapid ascent at the highest level.

Why Messi’s vote resonates beyond the result

Messi’s vote resonates beyond the result because the perspective of a historic, world‑class player carries enormous weight. Even if one ballot doesn’t decide the winner, his choices reflect how the very best in the game judge performance, consistency, and impact, adding depth to the debates about excellence and rising talent.

The announcement crowned a season defined by elite performances, decisive moments, and sustained excellence by the Frenchman, who played an instrumental role in PSG’s first-ever Champions League title.

Dembele, who also won the Ballon d’Or in September, now enters a selective group of The Best winners, immediately drawing comparisons to the benchmark figures of the award’s history: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

How many FIFA The Best awards does Lionel Messi have?

Messi has claimed three FIFA The Best awards (2019, 2022, 2023), reinforcing his enduring influence across different stages of his career and solidifying his place in soccer history.

How many FIFA The Best awards does Cristiano Ronaldo boast?

Cristiano Ronaldo won two FIFA The Best awards (2016, 2017), both during his peak years at Real Madrid, highlighting a period when his individual dominance aligned seamlessly with team success.

Ousmane Dembele is sidelined due to illness, and Achraf Hakimi is nursing an injury sustained in the match against Bayern Munich, during which Luis Diaz was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

Despite the absence of these two key players, PSG remain poised to make a significant impact in the Champions League, as they have consistently generated attention with their dynamic playing style and formidable offense.

Conversely, Athletic Club aim to challenge the French side and make their own push up the standings, as they strive to secure a direct spot in the round of 16, thereby avoiding the playoff round.

Confirmed replacements for Dembele and Hakimi

PSG boast a roster abundant with talented players, providing opportunities to fill the void left by these two crucial players, who have been instrumental in both the attack and defense for the French team.

For this vital encounter, head coach Luis Enrique has chosen Barcola and Zaire-Emery to step onto the field, replacing those unavailable for the match against Athletic Club.

Here is PSG’s confirmed lineup for today’s game in the Champions League:

• Goalkeeper: Safonov
• Defenders: Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes
• Midfielders: Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz
• Forwards: Barcola, Mayulu, Kvaratskhelia

Ousmane Dembele will be on the bench against Tottenham because the French forward suffered a muscle injury in the last Champions League commitment against Bayern Munich. After being sidelined for two matches, he is now recovered and being managed back into the lineup.

Given the history of injuries that Dembele has carried throughout his career, Luis Enrique will be unwilling to rush him back onto the field, as he could suffer a setback that would sideline him for even longer. Should the match situation demand it, it is highly likely that the former Barcelona forward will see some minutes in this game.

With this scenario, the Spanish manager had the option of utilizing Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos in the attack, but he surprisingly chose to start the 18-year-old forward Quentin Ndjantou instead.

PSG’s confirmed lineup

The major absence for PSG in this match is Achraf Hakimi, who suffered a severe sprain in his right ankle against Bayern Munich after a foul by Luis Diaz. He will be sidelined for at least six weeks, according to the French team’s medical staff.

As a result, this is the starting lineup of Luis Enrique’s team to face Tottenham: Lucas Chevalier; Warren-Zaire Emery, William Pacho, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Quentin Ndjantou, Bradley Barcola.

Ousmane Dembele is sidelined for France vs Ukraine today due to a calf injury sustained nine days ago while playing for his club, Paris Saint-Germain. This marks his third injury of the season; he previously missed the start of the season with a hamstring issue following the Club World Cup.

In Dembele’s absence, Deschamps must seek a replacement in the lineup, as France boast one of the deepest pools of talent. From Kylian Mbappe to Rayan Cherki, Deschamps has an array of options to fill Dembele’s shoes, which could prove advantageous if Dembele require replacement again in the future.

Meanwhile, Ukraine aim to upset France in Paris, with Malinovskiy pivotal in their efforts to overcome the 2018 World Cup champions. Historically, the Ukrainians have struggled against the French National Soccer Team, holding a 0-2-4 record when playing in France.

Who can replace Ousmane Dembele today?

Considering the roster Deschamps assembled for this fixture, numerous alternatives are available to replace Dembele against Ukraine. The odds favor the French side, presenting an opportunity to introduce fresh faces to the starting lineup.

Christopher Nkunku, Bradley Barcola, or Maghnes Akliouche could potentially feature in today’s lineup against Ukraine. Cherki, Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe, and Jean-Phillipe Mateta are among the key options under consideration by France’s head coach.

Predicted starting XI for France vs Ukraine

With Mbappe leading the team and the return of N’golo Kante to the roster, France are pulling out all the stops to secure their place in next year’s World Cup in North America.

Here’s the predicted lineup against Ukraine:

Goalkeeper: Maignan

Defenders: Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez

Midfielders: Zaire-Emery, Camavinga, Kone

Forwards: Olise, Mbappe, Barcola

With the reigning UEFA Champions League champs on the attack to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Bayern, Dembele found the back of the new with a fortunate ball that bounced off his chest and past Manuel Neuer’s goal. However, after review, the goal was taken off the board due to Dembele being offside.

Shortly after, Enrique made moves, subbing off Dembele and sending Lee Kang-in into the game. However, it didn’t work out as Bayern only doubled its lead thanks to Luis Diaz’s brace in Paris.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Dembele was forced to exit the game as he suffered a new injury against Bayern.

Surprising

Unfortunately, Dembele has had a long medical history of setbacks throughout his professional career. As a result, fans weren’t entirely shocked to see the best player in the world leave the game with another injury. However, it was indeed surprising to watch the French star head directly to the locker room, rather than joining the rest of the team on the subs bench.

Injury-riddled

Though the 2025-26 season is still in its early stages, Ousmane Dembele has already been hampered by injuries. The French winger has missed seven games for PSG with a hamstring issue, and now there are growing concerns in Paris that he may have re-aggravated it.

In the City of Light, it will take some optimism for fans to see the light at the end of the tunnel, as Dembele could be sidelined for key UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 clashes. To make matters worse, Achraf Hakimi was also subbed off after being injured by Luis Diaz, who had previously scored a brace for Bayern.

FIFPRO revealed the official team, and while there aren’t many surprises, the lineup reflects the dominance of a new generation taking center stage. The chosen eleven are: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Virgil van Dijk, Nuno Mendes ; Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Vitinha; Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, and Ousmane Dembele.

There isn’t much to argue about regarding the players selected — they were undeniably the best performers of last season. Opinions may differ on who deserved a spot more, but there’s no real case for anyone being undeserving of inclusion.

This year’s lineup showcases a remarkable mix: Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe, and Young Player of the Year Lamine Yamal, alongside a blend of FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Champions League champions. It’s a true dream team in every sense.

The last time Messi and Ronaldo were part of the FIFPRO World XI

The last time Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were selected together for the FIFA FIFPRO World XI — the team voted by thousands of professional players around the world — was in 2019. That moment marked the end of an era of dominance, as both had been near-permanent fixtures in the team for over a decade.

After 2019, their paths in this award began to diverge, signaling the early stages of a generational shift in world soccer. In 2020, only Cristiano Ronaldo made the World XI, while Messi missed out. The following year, in 2021, it was Messi’s turn to return to the lineup without Ronaldo.

That pattern continued. In 2022, Messi was again the only one included, an honor he repeated in 2023 thanks largely to his unforgettable performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. During those years, Ronaldo, though still productive and prolific, didn’t receive enough votes from his peers to return to the elite lineup, ending his long-standing streak.

Finally, in the most recent FIFPRO World XI for 2024, the generational change was fully confirmed: neither Messi nor Ronaldo made the team. The attacking spots went to new global stars such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr., officially closing a two-decade chapter in which at least one of the two legends almost always featured among the world’s best.

Dembele is being eased back into action after recovering from a right hamstring strain he sustained on Friday, September 5, while representing France in a UEFA qualifier against Ukraine. He had come on as a second-half substitute before being forced off with the injury — one that PSG later confirmed as a hamstring issue.

The incident caused tension between PSG and the French national team, with club officials reportedly frustrated by how the situation was handled. According to reports, PSG’s medical staff demanded greater transparency and collaboration between national and club doctors, arguing that injury risks and medical communication were poorly managed.

However, after spending almost a month on the sidelines recovering from his injury, Dembele is now back with the squad alongside Desire Doue and Marquinhos, who were also among PSG’s injured players.

Luis Enrique on Dembele’s return

Dembele has not played since winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and PSG manager Luis Enrique made it clear ahead of the Leverkusen clash that his focus is on the player himself — not the award winner.

“You [the media] see things differently,” Luis Enrique told reporters during a press conference. “He isn’t the Ballon d’Or — he is Ousmane Dembele. The person he is, and the energy he brings, are what matter to the team. The Ballon d’Or is over; you value that, but it means nothing”.

The Spanish coach also expressed his satisfaction with the return of other key players. “For us, the important thing is to get back Marquinhos, Desire Doue, and Ousmane,” Luis Enrique added. “I’m happier about his energy, about who he is as a person, than about the Ballon d’Or. The Ballon d’Or is over”.