Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were dealt an injury blow ahead of their crucial Ligue 1 fixture away to Montpellier on Sunday evening as star winger Ousmane Dembélé picked up an ear injury. Reports emerged in the afternoon from local media outlet Métropolitain that Dembélé was suffering from a perforated eardrum and experiencing pain, putting his participation in the match in serious doubt.

PSG travelled to Stade de la Mosson to take on 14th placed Montpellier, looking to cement their position at the top of the table. With Brest and Monaco drawing 1-1 the previous night, victory would give PSG some breathing room over their rivals in the title race. However, just hours before kick-off, news broke that Dembélé had required urgent medical attention for an ear issue. 

According to reports, Dembélé alerted PSG's medical staff after complaining of discomfort and pain in one of his ears. It was determined that the French international winger had likely suffered a perforated eardrum. With the severity of the injury unknown at the time, the decision was made to call emergency services for assessment and treatment.

An ambulance from the Samu 34 emergency response unit, part of the Montpellier University Hospital, was dispatched from their base to examine Dembélé. With perforated eardrums being extremely painful and carrying risk of further damage like infection if not treated properly, it was a worrying situation for both player and club so close to a crucial fixture. Dembélé has established himself as a key player for PSG since joining from Borussia Dortmund, and his potential absence would have been a big loss.

After an initial examination by the paramedics, it appeared Dembélé's injury would indeed rule him out of the Montpellier match. Both the PSG medical team and Montpellier HC staff agreed he was unfit to play. Dembélé reportedly watched the game from the stands after not being named in the starting lineup or even on the substitutes bench. Further updates on the severity and expected recovery time for his perforated eardrum were awaited.

While an unfortunate injury setback for Dembélé, it did at least allow PSG coach Christophe Galtier some time to prepare an alternative plan in the veteran winger's absence. Without one of their most dangerous attacking threats, PSG would have to find a way to break down a stubborn Montpellier defense if they wanted to leave southern France with three vital points. How they cope without Dembélé's creativity and flair would prove pivotal to their Ligue 1 title ambitions.

The game itself was a hard-fought affair, as Montpellier battled gallantly against the league leaders. However, PSG still had too much quality and firepower, as two second half goals secured a 2-0 victory. While the full extent of Dembélé's injury remains unknown, PSG will be hoping their star man makes a swift recovery, as they look to strengthen their position at the top of Ligue 1.