Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé suffers a hamstring injury ahead of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain’s preparations for their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal have been dealt a blow, with star forward Ousmane Dembélé suffering a hamstring injury. The French winger, who scored the decisive goal in PSG’s 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, was forced off late in the game due to discomfort.
PSG confirmed that Dembélé has strained his right hamstring and is currently undergoing recovery. While the club has stated that his condition is progressing well, they have not provided a definitive timeline for his return. Manager Luis Enrique acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Dembélé’s availability, stating that further assessments will be carried out soon.
A medical expert has weighed in on the situation, explaining that a hamstring strain typically requires at least two weeks of recovery, which could rule Dembélé out of the second leg against Arsenal. However, PSG’s vague description of the injury has led to speculation that it might be less severe than initially feared, with the club hinting at his condition “evolving” and “progressing.”
Dembélé’s absence could significantly impact PSG’s attacking setup. His ability to torment defenders with his movement and unpredictability was evident in the first leg, where he troubled Arsenal’s backline. Without him, Luis Enrique may need to adjust his strategy, potentially relying on Bradley Barcola or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to fill the void.
Dembélé’s injury could be a major boost as they look to overturn the deficit in Paris. Mikel Arteta’s side will have Thomas Partey back in midfield, which could allow them to play more direct and bypass PSG’s press. However, they must remain cautious, as PSG still possesses plenty of attacking firepower.
With the second leg scheduled for May 8, all eyes will be on PSG’s medical team to see if Dembélé can make a miraculous recovery in time for the high-stakes encounter. Until then, speculation will continue over whether the French winger will be fit to feature in one of the biggest matches of the season.
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