France Face Ousmane Dembele Setback Ahead of Ukraine Qualifier

France Face Ousmane Dembele Setback Ahead of Ukraine Qualifier

Ousmane Dembele Injury Hits France Before World Cup Qualifiers

France have been dealt an early setback as Ousmane Dembele, the dynamic Paris Saint-Germain forward, is expected to miss their crucial opening World Cup qualifying clash against Ukraine. This development comes as a blow to Les Bleus, who were counting on Dembele’s attacking prowess to kick off their qualifying campaign on a strong note.

Dembele Absent from Les Bleus Training Camp

Dembele’s absence was confirmed after he did not participate in France’s recent training sessions. The PSG winger has reportedly picked up a fitness issue that will likely sideline him for the high-stakes encounter. This forced head coach Didier Deschamps to reshuffle his right flank options, with Warren Zaïre-Emery and Rayan Cherki among those being considered to fill the gap left by Dembele.

France’s Options on the Right Wing

With Dembele unavailable, Deschamps is expected to turn to promising talents such as Désiré Doué and Maghnes Akliouche to provide width and creativity on the right. Both players have impressed at club level and now face the challenge of stepping up on the international stage. The choice highlights France’s depth but also underscores the importance of Dembele’s unique skill set, particularly against a disciplined Ukrainian side.

France World Cup Qualifiers Begin in Poland

The fixture against Ukraine, scheduled to be played in Poland, marks the beginning of France’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team’s preparations have been thorough, but Dembele’s injury forces a tactical rethink. The absence of the PSG star will put additional pressure on Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud to produce the attacking flair needed to secure early qualifying points.

Ukraine Present Formidable Opposition

Ukraine, known for their organized defense and quick transitions, will look to exploit any instability in the French ranks. The loss of Dembele’s pace and dribbling may make it harder for France to break down Ukraine’s defensive block, making this a tricky tie for Deschamps’ men. However, the squad’s depth and quality ensure France remain favorites to start their campaign with a victory.

Dembele’s History of Injuries Raises Concerns

Ousmane Dembele’s latest fitness concern adds to a series of injuries that have stalled his international career. While his talent is undeniable, repeated setbacks have prevented him from consistently featuring for the national team. This ongoing issue leaves questions regarding his long-term reliability, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.

What This Means for France’s World Cup Ambitions

While missing Dembele for a single qualifier won’t derail France’s World Cup hopes, his absence is a reminder of the uncertainties that injuries bring to even the deepest squads. The French camp will hope for his swift recovery, as his return could be crucial in tougher fixtures down the line.

Opinion: France’s Depth Will Be Tested Without Dembele

France’s squad depth is among the best in world football, but Ousmane Dembele’s absence tests how well emerging talents can fill the void on the right wing. While Deschamps has quality alternatives, Dembele’s creativity and unpredictability are hard to replace. This match will be a significant opportunity for France’s young stars to prove themselves—and for the team to demonstrate true resilience on the path to the World Cup. For more updates and detailed coverage, visit for more news.