Paris Saint-Germain are anxiously monitoring the fitness of Ousmane Dembele after the winger sustained a hamstring injury during the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash with Arsenal. The 27-year-old was forced off in the 70th minute of Tuesday’s 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, a match in which he scored the decisive goal just four minutes into the encounter.
In a statement released on Friday, PSG confirmed Dembele had “strained his right hamstring” and while his recovery is said to be “progressing well,” the club emphasized the need for further medical assessments. The injury comes at a critical juncture in the season, with the return leg scheduled for next Wednesday at the Parc des Princes. Luis Enrique, PSG’s head coach, tried to downplay concerns after the match, describing the injury as “very minor” but admitted that Dembele’s availability remains uncertain.
Key Player in PSG’s European Charge
Dembele’s influence on PSG’s Champions League campaign cannot be overstated. With eight goals and three assists in this season’s tournament, he has emerged as a vital cog in the Parisians’ bid to win their first-ever Champions League title. His early goal at the Emirates not only put PSG in the driving seat ahead of the second leg, but also marked his 33rd goal of the season across all competitions — a personal best.
In Ligue 1, Dembele has been equally impressive, netting 21 times and playing a pivotal role in PSG’s successful title defense. The French giants clinched their fourth consecutive domestic crown with six games to spare, underlining their dominance in the league. However, their European ambitions hang in the balance, with Dembele’s potential absence a major concern ahead of a high-stakes clash against a wounded but determined Arsenal side.
Injury Woes Continue for PSG and Arsenal
PSG’s injury list doesn’t end with Dembele. Defender Presnel Kimpembe has been ruled out for a “few weeks” after suffering an injury to the second metatarsal of his right foot. The 29-year-old only recently returned from a long-term Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entire 2023-24 season. His setback further depletes PSG’s defensive options at a crucial point in the campaign.
Arsenal, too, are grappling with a growing injury crisis. Long-term absentees Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel were joined on the sidelines by Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho, who missed the first leg due to fitness issues. With the return leg looming, Mikel Arteta will be hoping for reinforcements in order to overturn the narrow deficit and keep the Gunners’ Champions League hopes alive.
Crunch Weekend Fixtures Before Return Leg
Both sides will face important domestic fixtures this weekend before turning their focus back to European competition. PSG are set to face Strasbourg on Saturday, a match that Luis Enrique may use to rest key players and manage minutes, especially in light of the injury situation. With the Ligue 1 title already secured, the game offers an opportunity to maintain match rhythm without overexerting the squad.
Arsenal, meanwhile, host Bournemouth in a must-win Premier League clash. The Gunners are still locked in a tight title race domestically and cannot afford to drop points. Balancing the demands of league and continental ambitions will be a tough task for Arteta, particularly with a thin squad stretched by injuries.
All Eyes on Paris for the Decisive Clash
As the second leg in Paris approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a thrilling showdown. PSG hold a slender advantage thanks to Dembele’s early strike, but Arsenal will take confidence from their strong home performances and look to capitalize on any weaknesses exposed by PSG’s injury woes.
The question on every fan’s mind is whether Dembele will recover in time to feature in what could be a historic night for the French champions. With both teams aiming to reach the final, the stakes could not be higher — and the fitness of one man could very well tip the balance.
