PSG criticises 'avoidable' Doue and Dembele injuries

Paris St-Germain have accused the France national team of ignoring risks around Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue that led to the pair sustaining "avoidable" injuries during their World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine.

Dembele has been ruled out for around six weeks with a "serious" hamstring injury, while Doue is sidelined for about four weeks, according to the French club.

They are set to miss several key matches, including the opening fixture in the defence of their Champions League title.

In a statement,, external the European champions said they had sent a letter to the French Football Federation calling for a "more transparent and collaborative" coordination on medical protocol between clubs and the national team.

The club said they had "sent the federation concrete medical information, even before the French national team began training, on the acceptable workload and injury risks for its players".

They added: "The club regrets that these medical recommendations were not taken into account by the French national team's medical staff and that there was a total lack of consultation with its medical teams."

PSG said it hoped the "regrettable events" would lead to exchanges between clubs and France's medical team being documented and a "precautionary principle" followed for players who are called-up while undergoing treatment.

"The recent serious and avoidable events must give rise to rapid and immediate corrective measures," PSG added.

Forward Dembele replaced the injured Doue at half-time of the 2-0 win on Friday, only to be substituted himself in the 81st minute.

BBC Sport has contacted the French Football Federation for comment.

France boss Didier Deschamps defended his decision to play Dembele, saying: "I was sure that he was capable of playing a high level match, otherwise I would not have played him.

"This time, it's the other thigh. He was fit. It is unfortunate for him but could have happened to another player."

Speaking on Sunday, Deschamps said Doue wanted to play and while he understood the club's frustration he added: "the desire to play takes precedent over a lot of things".

Speaking to Telefoot he added: "From the moment the player is on the pitch, there is no such thing as zero risk."

PSG begin the defence of their Champions League title at home to Atalanta on 17 September before they travel to Spain to take on last season's semi-finalists Barcelona on 1 October.

Both players played a significant role as PSG won the Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League treble last season, with Doue scoring and named man of the match in their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the European final.

They were later named in Uefa's team of the tournament.

Dembele is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or, with the ceremony taking place on 21 September.

PSG have started their league season with three wins from three and sit top of the table, with their next match against Lens after the international break.