Désiré Doué offers promising cameo in PSG stalemate at Athletic Bilbao | OneFootball

Back from injury, Désiré Doué offered a lively cameo as PSG drew 0-0 at Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Wednesday. The 20-year-old influenced two major openings but could not provide the finish.

He was introduced just after the hour as Luis Enrique sought a spark against the Basque press. According to L'Équipe, PSG had carved only sporadic openings from wide areas before that. Before his arrival, Senny Mayulu missed presentable moments in the 41st, 45th and 49th minutes.

On 65 minutes, Doué fed Bradley Barcola in a slick move that ended with the crossbar struck. After Gonçalo Ramos came on in the 78th minute, Doué shifted to the left. In the 87th minute, he released Fabian Ruiz, whose shot was beaten away by Unai Simon.

He did not dominate as on his previous return, particularly in central areas against the home intensity, yet his half-hour hinted at promise. He made 24 touches, level with Mayulu and roughly half of Barcola’s, while both had twice his minutes. The output was mixed, with one successful dribble from six attempted.

This comeback followed a cautionary layoff. He had dazzled after a calf issue in early September, delivering 3 goals and 2 assists in 4 matches, before a grade 3 thigh injury in late October suggested an absence that could run to early 2026. The staff delayed his return, even against former club Rennes last weekend, mindful of September’s Dembélé-Doué episode.

Source: L'Équipe