Ousmane Dembele set for first match since Ballon d'Or win as star forward returns to PSG squad alongside Marquinhos ahead of Champions League clash

PSG confirmed that Dembele and Marquinhos have both recovered from injury and will travel with the squad to face Leverkusen in the Champions League. Dembele has been out for more than six weeks with a severe hamstring injury he sustained on international duty with France in early September. Marquinhos, meanwhile, has not played since the Classique against Marseille on September 22 due to a thigh issue.

Dembele’s comeback comes at a pivotal moment. Before his injury, the Ballon d’Or winner was in outstanding form, scoring twice and assisting once in PSG’s 6-3 win over Toulouse on August 30. He has yet to feature in this season’s Champions League campaign, making his return particularly significant as PSG aim to make it three wins from three in the group stage.

Marquinhos’ return is equally important for stability in defence. However, head coach Luis Enrique will still be without key midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves, both of whom remain unavailable for the trip to Germany.

Les Parisiens have coped well domestically without their No. 10 but lacked his creativity and unpredictability in recent matches. The 28-year-old Ballon d'Or winner trains normally again and is expected to feature, though the club have stressed they will not “take any risks” with his recovery.

During his absence, PSG’s attack struggled for fluidity in certain matches. His return gives Enrique another dimension, pace on the flank, ability to beat defenders, and decisive contributions in the final third. During his rehabilitation, the Frenchman underwent treatment at a specialist clinic in Doha. Dembele then gradually returned to training last week. 

Marquinhos followed a separate recovery plan after suffering his thigh issue, with PSG choosing not to rush him to avoid a relapse. His return adds stability to a defence that has conceded goals in recent matches. The Brazilian restores leadership at the back, but it remains unclear whether either player will start or be eased in from the bench. PSG medical staff are taking a cautious approach due to the demanding fixtures ahead.

Dembele returns to action as the newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner, a landmark that adds even greater excitement to his comeback. PSG shared footage of him training normally at Camp des Loges, sparking hope among supporters that he will feature, even if only for limited minutes, against Leverkusen. Even during his absence, Dembele’s influence lingered. PSG have stayed competitive in Ligue 1 but missed his creativity and ability to open tight defences.

The club have repeatedly stressed that no risks will be taken with either Dembele or Marquinhos. Their long-term availability is considered more important than immediate impact. Still, their presence on the bench alone is a mental lift for both teammates and fans, especially ahead of a crunch match away from home in Europe. 

PSG enter one of the most demanding phases of their season, facing key fixtures domestically and in Europe. After Leverkusen, they return to Ligue 1 action against Brest and Lorient. With the team still managing injuries, Enrique will be tasked with rotating wisely while maintaining balance and intensity.

The timing of both players' return gives PSG a stronger foundation to build from. Their presence reduces pressure on younger players and stabilises the team both tactically and emotionally. 

For Dembele, this marks the beginning of a new chapter as a Ballon d’Or winner, now expected not only to entertain but to deliver consistently on the biggest stage. For Marquinhos, it is about restoring defensive leadership. For PSG, it’s about momentum, survival through injury setbacks, and pushing forward in the Champions League.