Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have received a significant boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, as forward Ousmane Dembélé has been declared fit to play.
Dembélé, who scored the decisive goal in PSG’s 1-0 first-leg victory at the Emirates Stadium, had suffered a muscle injury but has resumed full training.
Despite concerns over his fitness, Dembélé is expected to be included in the matchday squad, with optimism in France about his potential starting role. He has been instrumental this season, netting 26 goals, and has thrived in the false nine position, making him a key figure in PSG’s attacking setup.
Manager Luis Enrique has emphasized the team’s evolution into a cohesive unit, moving away from reliance on individual star power. This collective approach, characterized by aggressive pressing and disciplined structure, was evident in the first leg and will be crucial in the upcoming match.
The rest of PSG’s lineup is expected to feature Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with a defense comprising Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield is likely to include Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabián Ruiz, while the attack will be spearheaded by Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and Doué, although Barcola could replace Doué following a strong recent performance.
Arsenal, on the other hand, faces injury concerns of their own, with doubts over the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber. Manager Mikel Arteta is urging his side to channel their frustration from a recent loss into a significant performance, emphasizing the need for courage and decisive moments to overturn the 1-0 deficit.
The match is set to take place at the Parc des Princes, with PSG aiming to reach their second Champions League final after their 2020 appearance. The outcome will determine who faces Inter Milan or Barcelona in the final on May 31 in Munich.
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