France will face Germany in the Nations League third-place play-off without Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola. Both players, who were instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s recent Champions League victory, have been ruled out due to injuries.
Dembele was substituted after hitting the post in the semi-final against Spain, while Barcola sustained a knee injury after coming on as a substitute.
The absence of these key players raises concerns for PSG ahead of their Club World Cup campaign. Their first match is against Atletico Madrid on June 15. Dembele’s impressive season saw him contribute to 46 goals for PSG, including 33 goals and 13 assists. Barcola also had a significant impact with 39 goal involvements, scoring 21 times and providing 18 assists.
Medical assessments confirmed that Dembele suffered a muscle injury, leading to his withdrawal from the upcoming match. Similarly, Barcola’s knee issue has forced him to return to PSG for recovery. These injuries not only affect France’s immediate plans but also cast doubt on their availability for future club commitments.
The injuries have come at a crucial time as PSG prepares for the Club World Cup. With both players being pivotal in their Champions League success, their absence could affect team dynamics and performance in upcoming matches. The club will be hoping for swift recoveries to ensure they are ready for future challenges.
The French national team will need to adjust their strategy without these two influential players. Their contributions have been vital throughout the season, and their absence will be felt both at the national and club levels.