Paris Saint-Germain continue their campaign in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a crucial Group B matchup against Brazilās Botafogo on Matchday 2. Both teams opened the tournament with victories and are now battling to take sole control of the group. However, the French side will have to do so without one of their key starsāOusmane Dembele.
PSG come into this game following a historic season in which they won every competition they entered, capped by their first-ever UEFA Champions League title after a commanding 5ā0 victory over Inter Milan in the final. They began the Club World Cup with a dominant 4ā0 win against Diego Simeoneās Atletico Madrid.
Luis Enriqueās team now prepare for their second group stage test against Botafogo, who also won their opening match, defeating the Seattle Sounders 2ā1. The winner of this game will move to the top of Group B and take a major step toward qualification for the knockout stage.
However, PSG remain without one of their most influential players. Dembele suffered a left quadriceps injury during the UEFA Nations League semifinals with France, which rules him out for the game against Botafogo. While the coaching staff hope to have him back in time for the knockout rounds, his availability remains in doubt.
Ousmane Dembele of France controls the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Spain and France. (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
When could Dembele return?
According to the medical report following the injury he sustained during the UEFA Nations League semifinals with France, Dembele is expected to be sidelined for approximately two to three weeks. That timeline could see him available just in time for the final matchday of the group stage.
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However, itās likely that Luis Enrique wonāt take any unnecessary risks with the former Barcelona winger. A more realistic scenario would see Dembele return to official action for PSG during the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
A stellar season in Paris
Dembeleās absence is a blow for PSG, especially considering the elite level heās reached this season. The former Barcelona winger appeared in 49 matches, scoring 33 goals and recording 15 assists. His performances have elevated him into the Ballon dāOr conversation and made him an indispensable part of PSGās attack.
In addition to his personal accolades, DembĆ©lĆ© played a key role in securing four titles this season: Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophee des Champions, andāmost notablyāPSGās first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
