Ousmane Dembélé has returned to Paris Saint-Germain after being left out of the squad that lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the Champions League earlier in the week.
PSG coach Luis Enrique faced criticism for not including Dembélé, one of the team’s most creative players since Kylian Mbappé moved to Real Madrid.
Dembélé was named in a group of 21 players chosen by Enrique to travel to Nice on Sunday night. A victory could put PSG back at the top of the French league standings.
Enrique had mentioned concerns about Dembélé’s commitment but did not elaborate further.
He denied having a personal argument with Dembélé after reports suggested they had a verbal clash following PSG’s 3-1 win against Rennes in the French league, where Dembélé contributed with an assist.
“There is just a problem of commitment toward the team, it’s not a problem between the player and the coach,” Enrique said through a translator.
PSG went to London with 22 players but without Dembélé, who has been crucial in their unbeaten start to the season. In six Ligue 1 matches, he has scored four goals and provided three assists.
“I took the best possible decision,” Enrique stated, adding that he had the support of the club director for his choice.
To replace Dembélé in the lineup, Enrique has other options like Randal Kolo Muani and Désiré Doué.
“Other players will be able to take over,” said PSG right back Achraf Hakimi. “The most important thing in the team is the group, and our group is united.”
