Paris Saint-Germain continue their preparations in Atlanta for their Club World Cup Round of 16 clash with Inter Miami. Central defender Presnel Kimpembe, 29, was the only absentee from today’s session, while striker Ousmane Dembélé, 28, participated fully in collective training, confirming his imminent return to competitive action.
“Presnel Kimpembe the only absentee from today’s session in Atlanta. Ousmane Dembélé present.”
With PSG now settled in northern Atlanta to finalize their preparations, Luis Enrique’s squad is almost complete, with the notable exception of Presnel Kimpembe, who remained in the gym for the day’s session. No official explanation has been given for the 29-year-old French central defender’s absence, but the club assures us that there is “nothing to report”, which reassures us as to the potential seriousness of his unavailability.
Conversely, Ousmane Dembélé, 28, is continuing his gradual recovery from a quadriceps injury sustained during international duty. The French international, indispensable to PSG’s attacking drive, has been training normally with the squad, a sign of his likely return on Sunday against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. This situation illustrates the fine management of the squad by the Parisian staff, forced to adapt their choices to the stifling heat of Atlanta and the fatigue accumulated after a busy season.
Dembélé’s return could prove decisive for PSG, who have to cope without Kimpembe in a defense already tested by successive absences. The group dynamic remains positive, as evidenced by the relaxed atmosphere surrounding the return of Lucas Hernandez, 29, after the birth of his daughter.
