Arsenal receive early injury boost ahead of Champion League second leg against PSG

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Arsenal have received a significant boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain, following news that PSG winger Ousmane Dembélé could miss the return fixture due to injury.

The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night in the first leg, with Dembélé scoring the decisive goal in the fourth minute. However, the French forward was forced off in the 70th minute after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury, casting doubt over his availability for the second leg in Paris.

PSG manager Luis Enrique, speaking after the match, downplayed the severity of the injury but acknowledged that Dembélé remains a doubt.

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“He’ll undergo tests tomorrow. It’s not serious, it’s something very minor, but he’s probably a doubt for the second leg,” Enrique said. “We’re going to try to get Dembélé back on the pitch. But we’re a real team. If Ousmane can play, that’s better. But if he doesn’t, we’ll still be a real team.”

Ousmane Dembélé also offered reassurance in a post-match interview with L’Équipe, saying: “I felt a little something, but it’s OK.”

The former Barcelona attacker has been instrumental in PSG’s Champions League run this season, and his potential absence could be a major blow as the Parisians aim to secure a spot in next month’s final in Munich.

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Despite the narrow margin of victory, PSG could have extended their lead, with late chances missed by Gonçalo Ramos and substitute Bradley Barcola. At the other end, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was key in preserving PSG’s lead, making crucial saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

PSG, already crowned Ligue 1 champions and finalists in the French Cup, continue their pursuit of a historic treble under Enrique’s guidance.

The second leg of the semi-final will be played at the Parc des Princes, where Arsenal will look to overturn the deficit and keep their European dreams alive.

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