Why is Ousmane Dembele not starting for PSG vs Inter Miami today at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16?

PSG have solidified themselves as one of the candidates to win the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. After winning the treble, the French side is now tasked to face Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in the round of 16.

Ousmane Dembele, arguably PSG’s biggest star, will be on the bench for the Round of 16. Dembele has been battling a muscle injury in his left quadriceps. This has sidelined him during the whole tournament. The latest information states he is ready to go, but it’s all now on manager Luis Enrique to decide how many minutes, if any, will Dembele play.

Speaking to the media, Luis Enrique said, “I can tell you he’s ready, but as you know, I don’t like to take any risks with my players.” So, while we can expect to see Dembele on the bench, his actual participation on the match is not fully clarified.

Dembele is dealing with huge overloads

Dembele not only helped PSG to win the treble, but also played in the UEFA Nations League with France previous to FIFA Club World Cup. His injury actually came playing for the national team.

Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park on April 15, 2025 in Birmingham, England.

During the semifinals, Dembele was subbed out due to the injury and that’s the last we’ve seen him play. Overload is something that the players have been complaining for years. PSG are now paying the toll by not being able to play one of their best players against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.

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Arsene Wenger explains why Messi is the most influential player at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

How did PSG do prior to the Round of 16

PSG started the tournament with an absolute blast. Their first match was presumably their toughest against Atletico Madrid. However, PSG were relentless and beat them 4-0. That was followed by an upset 0-1 loss to Brazilian side Botafogo, who managed to keep things tight and surprise PSG with a counter attack. Finally, they comfortably beat Seattle Sounders 2-0 to secure the first place on Group B.