Marquinhos, out at PSG: Concern over injury before Barça

Luis Enrique Downplays Injuries at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has downplayed the team’s growing injury list, following Marquinhos’s absence due to a left thigh injury. The captain, Marquinhos, scored an own goal in the 1-0 defeat against Marseille and, although he finished the match, felt discomfort and will be out until after the October international break. Marquinhos joins Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and João Neves in the infirmary. PSG, Champions League winners, played more than 60 matches in the 2024-25 season, including seven in the summer Club World Cup.

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That’s football, it’s competition, it’s reality! You have to adapt. I’m not worried, that’s how football is at the highest level. Injuries are normal because it’s a contact sport.

Luis Enrique

Enrique affirmed that he is not worried and that is the mentality he wants to convey to the players and fans. “There are many quality players on the team. The club has everything planned. That’s life, it’s normal.”

The PSG coach admitted that Marquinhos’ absence is a blow, especially with the trip to Barcelona on the horizon. He explained: “In the last play against Marseille, Marqui told us that he felt a little pain and that’s why we don’t want to risk it. It’s a shame for us and for every player who gets injured, and also because Marquinhos is our captain, but I think we are ready.” Luis Enrique regularly praised Dembélé as this year’s Ballon d’Or winner after a stellar season. Dembélé scored 35 goals, including eight in the Champions League, in the 2024-25 season and his coach was delighted that he received the award this week. “Above all, we were named team of the year, and that’s the most beautiful thing. I think we deserved that honor based on last season. As for Ousmane Dembélé, seeing him at this level, with the way he has played, is really great,” said Luis Enrique. “I have in mind the image of Ousmane holding the Golden Ball so that our fans could touch it. I don’t remember seeing anything like it in the past.”