Paris Saint-Germain have decided to give Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes additional time to rest, ruling both players out of Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Le Mans following the recent international break.
The French champions announced the decision on Thursday, October 8, explaining that the rest period had been agreed upon with head coach Luis Enrique and the club’s sporting management. Dembélé is scheduled to resume training on Saturday, October 10, while Mendes is expected back on Sunday, October 11.
The decision comes after both players experienced a demanding international schedule. Dembélé featured for France during the recent Nations League fixtures, while Mendes played extensively for Portugal, leaving PSG keen to manage their workload as the season continues.
According to reports from French sports media, Dembélé took part in all four of France’s recent matches, including two appearances as captain. Mendes also played a major role for Portugal, starting four international games during the same period.
Their absence means Luis Enrique will have to consider other options for PSG’s return to domestic competition. The club will host Le Mans at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, October 10, in a match scheduled to kick off at 8:45 p.m. local time.
The rest period also comes ahead of a demanding European fixture. PSG are due to face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 14, making the recovery of key players an important consideration for the coaching staff.
Dembélé has already received additional rest earlier in the campaign, reflecting PSG’s effort to manage his workload after an intense previous season. The club’s latest decision appears focused on recovery rather than a newly announced injury, with no fresh injury diagnosis included in the statement reported by French media.
PSG will now look to maintain their domestic momentum without the two regular starters against Le Mans. Their return to training over the weekend should provide a clearer indication of their readiness for the upcoming Champions League fixture.