What comes next for Ousmane Dembélé and Paris Saint-Germain is suddenly in focus following an injury setback in the UEFA Champions League and fresh transfer interest abroad.

The Ballon d'Or winner lasted just 26 minutes in PSG's knockout-stage first leg against AS Monaco before being substituted with an apparent injury, according to reporting from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

PSG were trailing at the time but rallied to draw 2-2 by halftime - helped by substitute Désiré Doué scoring shortly after entering and a late equalizer from Achraf Hakimi.

The incident renews concern over Dembélé's durability, long a defining element of his career arc. Despite his redemption from inconsistent years with FC Barcelona to global recognition, injuries have remained persistent.

PSG has the depth to wait for Dembele

Dembele has missed 162 matches across his career and has already lost 73 days to four separate issues during the 2025-26 season, sitting out 11 games with muscle problems and illness.

PSG must now assess his condition while preparing contingency plans. Manager Luis Enrique retains attacking depth capable of covering the absence, including Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Gonçalo Ramos.

That depth softened the immediate impact against Monaco, though Dembélé's influence when fit remains difficult to replicate. Beyond the short-term fitness outlook, longer-term questions are also emerging.

Dembele's next stop could be in Arab soccer

Reporting by Sky Sports indicates senior figures in the Saudi Pro League have begun preliminary inquiries into a potential move for Dembélé in 2026 as part of a renewed push to attract elite global talent amid shifting recruitment strategies.

For now, PSG's priority is medical evaluation and recovery timelines, with European competition still underway. Yet the convergence of another injury episode and external interest ensures scrutiny will remain on both the player's availability and his future trajectory in Paris.