Dembélé Leaves PSG Barcelona Match With Thigh Injury

Paris Saint-Germain lost forward Ousmane Dembélé to an injury during the first half of its Champions League match against Barcelona in Paris on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The 29-year-old French international grabbed the back of his left thigh after a run down the left flank in the 19th minute and requested a substitution. Ferran Torres replaced Dembélé after the Ballon d’Or winner signaled to the PSG bench that he could not continue.

The incident added to the injury concerns surrounding the forward, who has experienced physical setbacks throughout his career. PSG was also without left back Nuno Mendes, who missed the match because of a thigh injury. Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo subsequently left the field injured moments after Dembélé's departure, with Fermín López entering in his place.

PSG coach Luis Enrique has managed Dembélé's playing time in domestic competition, using him sparingly in the French league last season and resting him twice in Ligue 1 during the current campaign, according to the source report.

The injury occurred as PSG faced Barcelona in the opening phase of the Champions League. Dembélé's departure forced the French club to make an early attacking change, while Barcelona also had to adjust its lineup following Olmo's exit. PSG defender Willian Pacho also required medical attention near the end of the first half after sustaining a head injury during a Barcelona attack. López accidentally kicked Pacho while running through on goal and following up on his initial attempt, which PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov had saved.