Dembélé Suffers Injury as Barcelona Rest Rodri Against PSG

Paris Saint-Germain suffered an early setback against FC Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter at Parc des Princes on October 20, 2026, when Ousmane Dembélé sustained a left hamstring injury after just 19 minutes. Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick left Rodri Hernández out of his starting lineup to manage the midfielder's workload ahead of Sunday's El Clásico against Real Madrid.

According to Foot Mercato, Dembélé injured himself while accelerating during the match. The forward immediately grabbed the back of his left thigh and requested a substitution, forcing PSG to introduce Ferran Torres in his place.

The early withdrawal disrupted PSG's plans for the high-profile European fixture. Torres, who previously played for Barcelona, entered the contest against his former teammates.

Barcelona also made a significant selection change before kickoff, with Flick choosing Marc Bernal to partner Pedri in midfield instead of Rodri. Reports from ESPN's Samuel Marsden indicated that the Spain international was not considered fully fit to start, although Flick subsequently explained that workload management was the primary reason for the decision.

Speaking before kickoff in comments carried by Mundo Deportivo, Flick emphasized the importance of managing the physical demands placed on his squad during a congested schedule.

"We have to take care of the players," said Hansi Flick, Barcelona's manager.

Flick highlighted the demands of international football and explained why Rodri needed a break despite his importance to Barcelona's midfield.

"We must take the players' physical condition into account, especially the internationals," added Flick.

The manager noted that Rodri had completed three consecutive matches in full. He also expressed confidence in Bernal's ability to fill the role, with Barcelona preparing for a crucial domestic fixture against Real Madrid on Sunday.

"Rodri played the last three matches in full, and that is why we decided to give him a rest. We know how important he is, but we trust Bernal," said Flick.

Barcelona's reliance on Rodri has increased since his summer arrival. According to Barca Universal, the 30-year-old had appeared in 10 of the club's 11 matches across all competitions before the PSG encounter, starting eight and accumulating 690 minutes. He had also featured in all four of Spain's UEFA Nations League matches during the international break, starting three.

Flick also addressed Barcelona's approach against PSG, identifying possession and collective organization as priorities in a match between two teams capable of controlling the ball.

"I think both teams will try to control the ball, and the most important thing is that we do not lose it," said Flick.

The Barcelona manager stressed that maintaining coordination across the team would be essential to executing that approach against the French side.

"We have to be cohesive," said Flick.

Elsewhere in Barcelona's lineup, Gerard Martín was cleared to start after concerns about discomfort following the team's previous match against Real Betis. Medical examinations reportedly found no serious injury, and his condition improved sufficiently for selection.

"Gerard Martín is ready to play, and we did not have many other options," said Flick.

Martín's availability was particularly important because Barcelona were without Eric García, Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen. Flick therefore selected Pau Cubarsí alongside Martín in central defense, with João Cancelo and Xavi Espart occupying the fullback positions.

Barcelona's decision to rest Rodri came with the club's upcoming La Liga meeting against Real Madrid in mind. The El Clásico was scheduled for Sunday, making the management of key players' physical condition a central consideration during the European fixture.