Désiré Doué faces a significant setback after picking up a right-thigh muscle lesion that will keep him on the sidelines for several weeks and force him to miss next week’s major fixture for Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
The 20-year-old forward was forced off in the 62nd minute of PSG’s 1-1 draw at FC Lorient on Wednesday, after halting his run and crying out in pain. He was subsequently carried off the pitch on a stretcher and left the stadium on crutches.
In an official statement, PSG confirmed that Doué “has a right thigh muscle lesion and will be sidelined for several weeks.” The club added that “further review of the injury will take place after the international break.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique described the development as unfortunate, saying: “It’s always bad news when there are injuries” and calling it “a strange injury.”
This injury comes at a particularly sensitive moment for both player and club. Doué had only recently returned from a calf problem which had sidelined him for six matches and cost him participation in recent World Cup qualifiers for France.
By way of context, Doué has already produced encouraging contributions this season across all competitions, registering three goals and one assist.
The immediate ramifications for PSG are clear: the Champions League home clash with Bayern Munich, scheduled for next week, will now be without one of their most dynamic attacking options. The significance is heightened by the fact that group stage positioning and momentum are at stake.
Moreover, Doué’s absence will also impact France’s national team plans, with November World Cup qualifiers now in jeopardy
For Doué personally, the injury represents another disruption in a campaign that had already seen him hampered by a calf issue. The psychological and physical toll of returning from one injury only to face another must not be underestimated.
Medical staff at PSG will now face the critical task of managing the injury in a way that ensures full recovery rather than rushed return. Given the description of a “muscle lesion” in the right thigh, cautious optimism is in order, but such injuries are notoriously tricky—particularly in a fast-paced attacking role where acceleration, change of direction and explosive movements are integral.
From a squad perspective, PSG must now adapt without Doué’s pace, dribbling and goal threat. While the squad depth in attack is considerable, the absence of a young player with Doué’s specific attributes will necessitate tactical adjustments.