Ousmane Dembele PSG return gives Luis Enrique a major boost as the Ballon d’Or winner and Marquinhos rejoin the squad to face Bayer Leverkusen

Ousmane Dembele PSG return has provided Paris Saint-Germain with a timely lift ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, as the Ballon d’Or winner and team captain Marquinhos were both named in the travelling squad after respective injury layoffs.

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The French forward, 28, has been sidelined since early September with a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with France.

Having undergone rehabilitation at a specialist clinic in Qatar, Dembele returned to full training last week and could make his comeback in Tuesday’s group-stage encounter in Germany.

His return is a major boost for coach Luis Enrique, whose side have been battling a series of injury problems this season. PSG were held to an entertaining 3–3 draw by Strasbourg on Friday but remain unbeaten in Europe as they aim for a third consecutive Champions League win.

Midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery hailed Dembele’s influence in the dressing room. “It’s always good when you get players back in the squad, especially key ones who push us,” he said. “He’s a leader, even if he doesn’t speak up much.”

Leverkusen defender Loïc Badé, who plays alongside Dembele in the France national team, praised his compatriot’s all-round ability.

“He’s a complete player with several qualities — good with both feet, strong technically. There’s no secret recipe to stopping him; you just have to defend as a team,” he said.

Marquinhos, who last featured for PSG on September 22 before a thigh injury, also returns to the squad, adding much-needed experience in defence. However, midfield duo Fabian Ruiz and João Neves remain unavailable.

Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag in September, described PSG’s high-energy pressing style as both “a weapon and a risk,” adding that his Bundesliga champions are prepared to match the visitors’ intensity.

PSG coach Luis Enrique acknowledged the quality of their German opponents, saying: “Leverkusen have recruited well and have a new coach. They can defend deep and also press effectively. We’ll need to be at our best.”

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With the Ousmane Dembele PSG return, the French champions will look to extend their perfect start in Europe and reaffirm their status as contenders for another Champions League title.