Ousmane Dembele with the Ballon d'Or a week ago. © APA/afp / LOU BENOIST

Will the Ballon d'Or winner return?

Ousmane Dembélé could make his comeback in the Paris St. Germain jersey on Tuesday (21.00 p.m.) in the Champions League.

21 October 2025

From: apa/dl

The Ballon d'Or winner traveled with the defending champions as part of a 21-man squad for the away game against Bayer Leverkusen. The star striker had been out of action since September 5th due to a muscle injury in his right thigh sustained in France's 2-0 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

As a result, the 28-year-old, with a market value of €100 million, also missed the victories against Atalanta Bergamo (4-0) and FC Barcelona (2-1). Désiré Doué, another attacking talent, was sidelined with injury, but the 20-year-old Frenchman returned on Friday with a half-hour appearance in the 3-3 league draw with Strasbourg. Also not in action was captain Marquinhos, who last played in the 1-0 defeat at Marseille on September 22nd and can now also hope for a return.

Things haven't gone as planned for the second-placed team in Ligue 1 recently, with two consecutive draws, unlike in the Champions League. Coach Luis Enrique's team is one of only six to have the maximum number of points after two of eight matches and appears to be in third place behind Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Leverkusen, on the other hand, has drawn twice.

Inter also wants to remain flawless

Just as PSG hopes for victory number three, Inter Milan will face Union Saint-Gilloise. England's top club Arsenal also aims to maintain a perfect home record against Atletico Madrid. The Gunners have won their last six Champions League clashes with Spanish teams.

After the important victory in Rome, Inter are looking to celebrate again in the Champions League. © ANSA / Riccardo Antimiani

Manchester City are on four points ahead of their trip to Villarreal, where they will be looking to end a run of five winless away games in the Champions League. Erling Haaland, who has scored 14 goals in ten competitive matches, will be the key to the win. Borussia Dortmund, like the "Citizens," has started the competition and is aiming for a second victory at FC Copenhagen.

Champions League: Tuesday's games

Barcelona vs. Olympiacos (6:45 p.m.)
Kairat Almaty – Paphos
Arsenal – Atletico Madrid (21.00 p.m.)
Leverkusen – PSG
Copenhagen – Dortmund
Newcastle vs. Benfica
PSV Eindhoven – Napoli
Union SG – Inter
Villarreal – Manchester City