Paris Saint-Germain prepare to host Monaco in the second leg of their 2026 UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoff, aiming to secure a place in the round of 16. After earning a narrow 3-2 victory in the first leg, the French champions return home with a slight advantage but still plenty of work to do.
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.
Ousmane Dembele of PSG reacts after being pulled down. Octavio Passos/Getty Images
PSG lineup vs Monaco
see also
Real Madrid vs Benfica LIVE: Kickoff time and where to watch the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoff second leg
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.
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