Désiré Doué will have to step up in Bradley Barcola's absence

After an amazing 2024-2025 campaign where he played a key role in a treble-winning team, many expected the 2025 Golden Boy to become one of the best players in the world at his position. Unfortunately, several injuries made it difficult for the 20-year-old to deliver top-level performances every week with his team.

In that time, Bradley Barcola who managed to avoid injuries became a reliable player for Luis Enrique. The France international is Paris' leading scorer in Ligue 1 and has had a tremendous impact in recent weeks, scoring goals in both legs against Chelsea in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

However, the former Lyon player, he then suffered an ankle injury and should miss the next four to six weeks of competition, leaving a spot for Désiré Doué.

Paris Saint-Germain will need Désiré Doué to step up

The former Rennes Academy graduate is currently representing France in the last International window of the season before the 2026 World Cup, and delivered an outstanding performance in their second friendly against Columbia with a superb brace in their 3-1 win.

After the break, Paris will face Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, a side well-known by the Frenchman as he revealed himself against the Reds last season in the Round of 16. Since then, Doué became a key player of this team and delivered several impressive performances, including a memorable brace in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

With Barcola injured, it will be crucial that Doué performs at his best to help his side in their quest of a second consecutive Champions League. After his great outing against Columbia, PSG fans will expected nothing but the best from him as his team is scrutinised and under a lot of pressure.

For Doué, the sky is the limit and in the middle of a difficult difficult campaign, plagued with injuries, he could showcase not only his immense talent, but also his resilience against a tough opponent on the biggest stage before flying to his first world cup with France.

While his spot in Didier Deschamps' 26-men squad is almost guarenteed, he could claim a starting role or be the first sub to come on when his coach needs to bolster his offence.

Overall, Désiré Doué need to be at his best in Bradley Barcola's absence to help his team qualify against Liverpool while also aiming for the 2026 World Cup.