Paris Saint-Germain’s 28-year-old winger Ousmane Dembélé took part in collective training on Friday, while 26-year-old right-back Achraf Hakimi preferred to stay in the gym today. There is no cause for concern for the Moroccan, and the Parisian squad is fully booked for Monday’s match against the Seattle Sounders on Matchday 3 of the Club World Cup group stage.
Hakimi :
“As in the last session, Ousmane Dembélé started training with the rest of the squad.
Hakimi chose to stay in the gym today. No worries for the Moroccan full-back.
The full squad”
Dembélé :
“Ousmane Dembélé spent the entire session with the group.”
After their unexpected 0-1 defeat by Botafogo, Paris Saint-Germain have had a tough time of it at the FIFA Club World Cup, and must now beat Seattle Sounders to book their place in the Round of 16.
Against this tense backdrop, the return of 28-year-old Ousmane Dembélé to collective training comes at just the right time for Luis Enrique. The French winger, who was absent during the defeat to the Brazilians, could provide the percussion and creativity sorely lacking in the Parisian attack last time out.
Dembélé, PSG’s top scorer this season, represents a major offensive asset with three days to go before a match that promises to be decisive, not only for qualification but also for the group’s momentum.
Faced with Seattle, who have nothing left to lose and will be playing in front of their home crowd, Paris will have no room for error: only a win would guarantee the continuation of their adventure, while a draw or defeat could precipitate a premature elimination, depending on the outcome of the group’s other match. Dembélé’s form and his ability to make the difference at key moments will therefore be closely scrutinized.
