Deschamps plays down PSG rift as duo’s injuries raise concerns

FRANCE coach Didier Deschamps has calmed suggestions of a rift between the national team and Paris Saint-Germain after the European champions were left frustrated by injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue on international duty.

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Dembele, PSG’s leading scorer last season and one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or, has been ruled out for six to eight weeks after coming off hurt in France’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine on Friday.

Doue was injured in the same match. and is expected to be sidelined for a month, dealing a major blow to PSG as they prepare to begin their defence of the Uefa Champions League title.

The club wrote to the French Football Federation (FFF) on Sunday, calling for a “more transparent and collaborative coordination protocol to be put in place between clubs and national teams”.