PSG's Désiré Doué suffers injury setback in Champions League clash at Liverpool
Paris Saint-Germain forward Désiré Doué was forced off with an injury during his side's Champions League group stage match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night. The 19-year-old Frenchman was substituted in the 52nd minute following a collision with advertising hoardings after a challenge from Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai. Doué attempted to continue briefly but was ultimately replaced by Bradley Barcola, adding to PSG's injury concerns on a night where left-back Nuno Mendes also departed earlier with a muscular issue.
The incident occurred when Szoboszlai shepherded Doué towards the touchline, with the young attacker then making contact with a pitchside microphone positioned against the advertising boards. According to match reports, Doué left the pitch appearing dejected, a setback in what has been a breakthrough season for the academy product. His injury compounds a difficult period for PSG's medical staff, who are already managing several fitness cases within the squad.
Doué has emerged as one of Ligue 1's most promising talents this campaign, making 12 league appearances and scoring three goals for the Parisian champions. His dynamic performances had begun to earn him more consistent minutes under manager Luis Enrique, making this timing particularly unfortunate. The club has not yet provided a specific diagnosis or timeline for his recovery, but further assessment is expected upon the squad's return to France.
This injury comes at a critical juncture in PSG's season, with the team competing on multiple fronts. They currently lead Ligue 1 and have secured progression to the Champions League knockout stages, with the draw for the last 16 set for next week. Doué's versatility, capable of playing across the front line or as an attacking midfielder, had made him a valuable option for Enrique, especially during a congested fixture schedule.
The loss of Doué, even temporarily, may influence the club's thinking as the January transfer window approaches. While PSG possesses considerable depth in attacking areas with Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Randal Kolo Muani, Doué offered a different profile and homegrown status for European squad registration. His absence could see increased opportunities for other young forwards like Bradley Barcola and Senny Mayulu in domestic cup competitions.
For Doué personally, the hope will be for a swift recovery to resume his development. He was reportedly on the fringes of the French Under-21 squad and will be eager to return to action to continue his impressive trajectory. The coming days will provide clarity on the severity of the setback, with PSG's next match a Ligue 1 fixture against Lille on Sunday.
