PSG’s Rising Star Struck by Injury in Draw with Lorient
Paris was left holding its breath after one of its brightest young players went down in visible pain during a tense Ligue 1 match this week.
Early breakthrough
Désiré Doué, the 20-year-old midfielder who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Rennes this summer for around €50 million, was carried off the pitch during the 1-1 draw against Lorient wednesday evening CET. He appeared to clutch his right thigh before being stretchered away in the 61st minute.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X, that the Frenchman suffered a serious right thigh muscle injury, raising fears of a lengthy absence. It’s an untimely setback for a player who had just started to make his mark in Paris.
Rising momentum
Just days before the injury, Doué had been named Champions League Man of the Match in a standout performance that underscored his growing importance to Luis Enrique’s side.
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The accolade followed a series of strong displays in what has been seen as his true breakthrough season.
It wasn’t Doué’s first physical concern this year, he had previously dealt with a minor calf strain early in the campaign but returned quickly to form.
Fans react
Supporters flooded social media with messages of support, with many lamenting what they jokingly called the “UCL MOTM curse,” a reference to players seemingly struck by injuries soon after receiving the award.
Others voiced frustration over football’s congested calendar, which has been linked to an increase in muscle injuries among top professionals.
PSG medical staff are expected to conduct a full assessment to determine Doué’s recovery timeline.
The club has yet to release an official statement on how long he may be sidelined, but concern is mounting as the team faces a busy run of fixtures across domestic and European competitions.
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