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Dembele Returns: PSG's Ballon d'Or Winner Set for Champions League Clash

Ousmane Dembele is making his much-anticipated return to the PSG squad after recovering from a hamstring injury. The Ballon d'Or winner has been included in the 21-man traveling squad for the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. Marquinhos is also returning to contention after nearly four weeks out with a thigh problem. This comes as PSG looks to build on their perfect start in the Champions League this season.

Key Points: Dembele Returns to PSG Squad for Champions League Match

  • Dembele returns after hamstring injury sidelined him since September 5
  • Marquinhos also returns to squad after thigh injury absence
  • PSG currently third in Champions League after winning first two games
  • Dembele scored 35 goals last season guiding PSG to historic treble
2 min read

Dembele returns to PSG squad for Champions League clash against Leverkusen

Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele returns from hamstring injury as PSG names him in squad for crucial Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

"It is an individual trophy, but it was really the collective that won it. - Ousmane Dembele"

Paris, Oct 20

Ousmane Dembele is poised to make his return for Paris Saint-Germain after being named in the defending champions’ squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

The Ballon d’Or winner has been sidelined since September 5 due to a hamstring injury but has been included in PSG’s 21-man travelling squad announced on Monday. Also making a return is centre-back Marquinhos, who is back in contention after nearly four weeks out with a thigh injury.

France forward Dembele concluded a remarkable season by winning the men's Ballon d'Or last month, football's most prestigious individual award, after spearheading Paris Saint-Germain to their first-ever Champions League victory.

"I really don't have the words. It was an incredible season with PSG," Dembele had said while hailing coach Luis Enrique as "like a father."

"It is an individual trophy, but it was really the collective that won it," he added. "The Ballon d'Or has not really been an objective for me in my career, but I worked hard for the team to win the Champions League.

The 28-year-old narrowly beat Barcelona's teenage talent Lamine Yamal to win the award at a glamorous ceremony in Paris, succeeding Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, who was the previous year's recipient. Dembele's triumph follows a prolific season in which he scored 35 goals in all competitions, guiding PSG to a historic treble of the Champions League, French league, and domestic cup.

However, the forward is yet to play in the Champions League this season. PSG are third in the 36-team league after winning their first two games.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian football fan, I love watching Dembele play. His humility in giving credit to the team even after winning Ballon d'Or shows true sportsmanship. Looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch! 🤩
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Rohit P
Honestly, I feel Lamine Yamal deserved the Ballon d'Or more. He had an outstanding season with Barcelona and at just 19, his performances were incredible. Dembele is great, but the voting seemed biased towards PSG's Champions League win.
S
Sarah B
Marquinhos returning is equally important for PSG. A solid defense is crucial in Champions League, and he's their rock at the back. Good to see both key players back for this important match!
V
Vikram M
Watching Champions League from India at 1:30 AM is worth it when players like Dembele are on the field! Hope he scores a banger against Leverkusen. PSG needs to climb up that table quickly.
M
Michael C
The way Dembele acknowledges his coach as "like a father" shows the strong bond in that team. That kind of relationship often translates to success on the field. Looking forward to Tuesday's match!

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