Paris Saint-Germain have received a double injury boost ahead of their Champions League meeting with Bayer Leverkusen, as Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos both return to the squad.
The French champions confirmed that the pair have recovered from their respective hamstring and thigh issues and will travel to Germany.
Dembele has been sidelined for over six weeks after suffering a severe hamstring injury while on international duty with France in September, while Marquinhos has not featured since the Classique win over Marseille on September 22.
Dembele’s return comes at a crucial time. Before his injury, the Ballon d’Or winner was in top form scoring twice and assisting once in PSG’s 6-3 victory over Toulouse. He has yet to feature in this season’s Champions League campaign.
Marquinhos’ comeback is equally significant, restoring leadership to a defence that has looked vulnerable in recent matches.
However, Luis Enrique will still be without midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves, who remain unavailable for the trip.
PSG have stressed they will not “take any risks” with either player’s recovery, even though both trained normally this week. Their presence in the squad alone provides a psychological lift as PSG look to extend their perfect start in Europe.
After facing Leverkusen, PSG continue a busy schedule with Ligue 1 fixtures against Brest and Lorient.
Dembele’s comeback as the newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner adds another layer of excitement, while Marquinhos’ return offers much-needed stability giving PSG renewed belief heading into one of the most demanding stretches of their season.
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