France Face Ousmane Dembele Setback Ahead of Ukraine Qualifier

France World Cup qualifiers preparations have suffered a blow as star winger Ousmane Dembele is expected to miss the crucial opening clash against Ukraine due to a fitness issue. The Paris Saint-Germain forward sat out the latest training session with Les Bleus, raising concerns over his availability for the match set to take place in Poland.

France World Cup Qualifiers Hit by Ousmane Dembele Absence

Ousmane Dembele’s absence comes at a critical time for the French national team, with Didier Deschamps eager to start the World Cup qualifying campaign strongly. The PSG attacker, known for his pace and creativity on the right wing, has been pivotal for both club and country in recent months. However, a minor injury has forced Dembele to remain sidelined, and he is now expected to be unavailable for the opening fixture.

With Dembele likely to miss out, Deschamps must turn to alternative options. Warren Zaire-Emery’s versatility could see him deployed further forward, while the promising talents of Désiré Doué and Maghnes Akliouche are being considered to fill the gap on the right. Both young players have impressed at club level, but stepping up for a major international qualifier will be a significant test of their abilities.

Ukraine Ready to Capitalize on French Weakness

Ukraine, France’s first opponents in the World Cup qualification campaign, will take encouragement from Dembele’s likely absence. The Ukrainian squad, known for their resilience and tactical discipline, are preparing to exploit any gaps left by France’s reshuffled attack. With key fixtures ahead, every point in the group stage will be vital, increasing the pressure on Les Bleus to adapt quickly and maintain their reputation as one of Europe’s elite sides.

Match Details and Venue

The France vs Ukraine match, part of the UEFA World Cup Qualification series, is scheduled for September 5, 2025, at 20:45 local time. The fixture will be held in Poland, a neutral venue chosen due to ongoing security concerns. Both teams are aiming for a strong start, with Group C shaping up to be highly competitive.

Ousmane Dembele’s Injury: A Closer Look

Ousmane Dembele’s injury setback is particularly frustrating given his recent run of fitness and form. Since joining PSG, Dembele has largely avoided the long layoffs that plagued his earlier career. French medical staff are monitoring his progress closely, but caution is being exercised to prevent aggravating the issue further. With a busy international calendar ahead, both PSG and the national team are prioritizing the player’s long-term fitness.

Alternatives for Deschamps on the Right Wing

Didier Deschamps is renowned for his tactical flexibility and squad depth. In Dembele’s absence, he may look to Désiré Doué, the Rennes winger who has shone in Ligue 1, or Maghnes Akliouche, a rising star at Monaco. Both players offer a blend of speed, dribbling, and creative flair, but neither has the big-game experience of Dembele. The coach’s decision will likely depend on training performances leading up to the match.

Key Players to Watch

While Dembele’s absence is a setback, France still boasts an array of attacking talent. Kylian Mbappé remains the central figure in the forward line, ably supported by Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram. In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni provide control and dynamism, ensuring France can still pose a significant threat.

Ukraine, meanwhile, rely on experienced figures such as Andriy Yarmolenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko, with a focus on compact defensive structures and swift counterattacks.

What This Means for France’s World Cup Ambitions

Missing Ousmane Dembele for the opening qualifier is far from ideal, but France have the squad depth to cope. The early stages of World Cup qualification are rarely straightforward, and this setback may even galvanize the squad to rally around their available stars. For supporters, it’s a reminder that qualification campaigns are unpredictable, and overcoming adversity is part of the journey to the world’s biggest football stage.

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Opinion: Early Test of French Resilience

Dembele’s absence is certainly a blow, but it’s also an early test of France’s depth and adaptability. With so much attacking quality in the squad, this setback could provide an opportunity for emerging talents to announce themselves on the international stage. The true mark of a world-class team is how it responds to adversity—France has all the ingredients to do just that in their World Cup qualifiers.