Dembele cleared for crucial PSG clash with Arsenal

Paris St-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has been declared fit for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Arsenal following a brief injury scare. The French international, who scored the decisive goal in the first leg at Emirates Stadium, had been a doubt after limping off during the second half last week.

Dembele, 27, suffered a hamstring issue that kept him out of PSG’s weekend Ligue 1 defeat to Strasbourg. However, he resumed training on Monday and completed a full session on Tuesday, putting him in contention for Wednesday’s high-stakes encounter. PSG manager Luis Enrique confirmed the forward’s readiness in a pre-match press briefing.

“He’s been training with us for the last two days,” Enrique said. “You saw him on Tuesday – a normal training session for him. He’ll be available on Wednesday.” His return is a significant boost for the French side, who are seeking their second-ever Champions League final appearance.

Dembele has been a standout performer for PSG since joining from Barcelona in 2023. He currently leads the team’s scoring chart with 33 goals across all competitions this season, underlining his importance to their attacking setup. His pace and creativity will be crucial as PSG aim to protect their slender lead over the Gunners.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will need a flawless performance at Parc des Princes to overturn the 1-0 deficit. The English side failed to break through PSG’s defense in the first leg and now face an even tougher challenge with Dembele back in the lineup. Manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the need for composure and clinical finishing.

Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s form is under scrutiny as Arsenal prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinal second leg. Known for his size and shot-stopping prowess, Donnarumma delivered a standout performance in the first leg, keeping Arsenal at bay with crucial saves. 

However, his inconsistency remains a concern, as past mistakes — including a high-profile error against Real Madrid in 2022 and recent slip-ups in Ligue 1 — continue to haunt him. Critics highlight his vulnerability to crosses and poor footwork, though his positional awareness and experience make him a formidable presence on the biggest stage.