PSG: Ousmane Dembélé 'resting' this week but not sidelined

Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé will miss the upcoming match against Lille on Friday, as the club announced he will be taking several days of rest this week. The decision comes after the player was substituted at halftime during PSG's recent 2-2 draw with Rennes.

During the Rennes match, Dembélé was replaced by Ferran Torres, who scored twice in his debut for PSG. Coach Luis Enrique explained his decision, emphasizing that players must consistently prove their readiness and step out of their comfort zones, regardless of past achievements. He likened the situation to when he previously substituted 'Kvara' at halftime.

Dembélé, who was also substituted at halftime before a Champions League match against Arsenal last season, will now be 'resting' as per a club statement. The statement indicated that this decision was made in agreement with the coach and the sporting direction, and that Dembélé will rejoin training with the group next Monday.

Club sources suggest there is no conflict between Dembélé and Luis Enrique, nor is it a disciplinary action. Instead, it is presented as a choice to help Dembélé recharge after playing nearly 600 minutes for France in the World Cup and then resuming play for PSG with minimal vacation time. The coach had previously indicated that some World Cup players might receive rest periods.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this explanation holds true. Luis Enrique is expected to address the situation further during his press conference on Thursday, ahead of the Lille-PSG match.

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If you think about what you have won (in the past), you will win nothing. For me, the most important thing is that there is no credit. You have to show every day, every training session, every match that you are ready. We are trying to win all the time. And for that, you have to get out of your comfort zone. Is that clear?