Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a major double boost ahead of their Champions League showdown against Bayer Leverkusen, with Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos back in the squad after injury layoffs.
The French champions travel to Germany with renewed confidence, although Luis Enrique will still be without midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves.
PSG confirmed that Dembele and Marquinhos have both recovered from injury and will travel with the squad to face Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Dembele has been out for more than six weeks with a severe hamstring injury he sustained on international duty with France in early September.
Marquinhos, meanwhile, has not played since the Classique against Marseille on September 22 due to a thigh issue.
Dembele’s comeback comes at a pivotal moment. Before his injury, the Ballon d’Or winner was in outstanding form, scoring twice and assisting once in PSG’s 6-3 win over Toulouse on August 30.
He has yet to feature in this season’s Champions League campaign, making his return particularly significant as PSG aim to make it three wins from three in the group stage.
Marquinhos’ return is equally important for stability in defence.
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However, head coach Luis Enrique will still be without key midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves, both of whom remain unavailable for the trip to Germany.
Les Parisiens have coped well domestically without their No. 10 but lacked his creativity and unpredictability in recent matches.
The 28-year-old Ballon d’Or winner trains normally again and is expected to feature, though the club have stressed they will not “take any risks” with his recovery.
During his absence, PSG’s attack struggled for fluidity in certain matches. His return gives Enrique another dimension, pace on the flank, ability to beat defenders, and decisive contributions in the final third.
During his rehabilitation, the Frenchman underwent treatment at a specialist clinic in Doha. Dembele then gradually returned to training last week.
Marquinhos followed a separate recovery plan after suffering his thigh issue, with PSG choosing not to rush him to avoid a relapse.
His return adds stability to a defence that has conceded goals in recent matches.
The Brazilian restores leadership at the back, but it remains unclear whether either player will start or be eased in from the bench.
PSG medical staff are taking a cautious approach due to the demanding fixtures ahead.
