Paris Saint Germain Injury Update: Desire Doue Ruled Out for 8 Weeks as Luis Enrique Faces Attacking Crisis

Paris Saint Germain are facing a major setback ahead of their Ligue 1 clash with OGC Nice. Promising winger Desire Doue has been ruled out for eight weeks after suffering a left thigh tear during the 1-1 draw with Lorient on Wednesday. The news deepens Luis Enrique’s attacking concerns, with Ousmane Dembele’s fitness still in question.

According to French outlet L’Équipe, Doue’s injury will keep him sidelined until at least late December, making a return before the end of 2025 unlikely. The 20-year-old’s absence adds to an already challenging situation for Enrique, whose front line has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent form.

Doue’s Recovery Plan and Timeline

PSG plan to send Desire Doue to Doha for specialized rehabilitation, following the same recovery program that successfully aided Ousmane Dembele earlier this year. The treatment will focus on muscle regeneration and strength restoration, with club medical staff monitoring his progress closely.

Doue’s absence will force him to miss three key UEFA Champions League fixtures and several domestic games, testing the depth of PSG’s attacking squad. Enrique, who has been rotating heavily in recent weeks, now faces the difficult task of maintaining offensive balance without two of his key wingers at full strength.

L’Équipe reported that Dembele’s participation against Nice remains uncertain. Despite returning from a previous thigh injury sustained during France’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, Dembele showed signs of fatigue in recent appearances, including his early substitution against Lorient.

Enrique’s Offensive Challenges Ahead of Nice Clash

The injury crisis leaves Enrique with limited options in attack. Goncalo Ramos remains unavailable, while young forward Ibrahim Mbaye has yet to convince the coaching staff of his readiness for consistent minutes. Kylian Mbappé’s workload management is also under consideration, as the star forward has featured heavily in both Ligue 1 and European competitions.

PSG currently sit atop the Ligue 1 table with 21 points, narrowly leading AS Monaco (20) and a tight chasing pack that includes Marseille, Strasbourg, Lyon, and Lens (all on 19). With multiple injuries disrupting rhythm and chemistry, the upcoming fixture against Nice could be a key test of depth and adaptability.

Enrique’s strategy may involve repositioning Bradley Barcola or Fabian Ruiz to fill wider attacking roles, while youngster Warren Zaïre-Emery could see an expanded creative responsibility. The coach’s tactical flexibility will be critical in navigating this injury storm as the club juggles domestic and continental ambitions.

PSG’s injury woes highlight the importance of squad rotation and recovery management in a congested schedule. For Enrique, the next few weeks could define both his tactical resilience and the team’s title momentum.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long will Desire Doue be out?

Desire Doue is expected to miss around eight weeks with a thigh tear, with a possible return in late December 2025.

Q2: Will Ousmane Dembele play against Nice?

Dembele’s availability remains uncertain due to ongoing fitness concerns following his recent thigh issue.

Q3: Who could replace Doue in PSG’s lineup?

Bradley Barcola or Fabian Ruiz may be deployed in wider attacking roles, while Zaïre-Emery could provide creative support.

Q4: How is PSG performing in Ligue 1?

PSG currently lead Ligue 1 with 21 points, just ahead of Monaco and several close contenders.

Q5: Where will Doue recover?

Doue will undergo rehabilitation in Doha, following PSG’s proven recovery program used for previous player injuries.