PSG confirm Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes will be rested ahead of Ligue 1 return

PSG confirm Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes will be rested ahead of Ligue 1 return Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes have been granted additional rest following an agreement between the coaching staff and sporting management. The French champions announced on Thursday that both players would spend several days away from training before returning at different stages over the weekend. Dembele is scheduled to resume training on Saturday, October 10, while Mendes will return the following day. The decision means neither player is expected to feature in PSG’s Ligue 1 encounter with Le Mans at the Parc des Princes on Saturday. PSG explained that the arrangement had been agreed with head coach Luis Enrique and the club’s sporting department. “In agreement with the coach and the sporting management, Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes are benefiting from a period of rest,” the club announced. Their scheduled returns suggest PSG are managing the players’ workloads rather than responding to newly confirmed injuries. The decision comes as Enrique attempts to balance domestic commitments with the physical demands of European and international football. Dembele has already experienced fitness concerns this season and was gradually reintroduced to competitive action during September. The France international delivered an impressive performance in PSG’s 6-1 Champions League victory over Slovan Bratislava, scoring twice and providing two assists. However, Enrique limited his involvement to approximately an hour as part of the forward’s return to full fitness. The PSG manager subsequently praised Dembele’s performance and work rate, highlighting his contribution both with and without possession. The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner remains a central figure in PSG’s attacking plans, making his physical condition particularly important as the season progresses. Mendes is similarly influential on the opposite side of the pitch, combining defensive responsibilities with an important attacking role. The Portugal international has established himself among Europe’s leading left-backs through his pace, ball-carrying ability and contributions in advanced positions. PSG have previously managed fitness concerns involving Mendes, making the latest opportunity for recovery a potentially valuable precaution. Enrique must now consider alternative options for Saturday’s match as his side return to domestic action following the international break. The absences could provide opportunities for other members of the squad to impress before Dembele and Mendes resume their usual training schedules. PSG have not indicated that either player faces a prolonged absence, with specific return dates already established. Their availability for subsequent fixtures will depend on how they respond once they return to training.