PSG Dembele injury casts doubt on his availability for the crucial Champions League clash against Arsenal, as injury expert delivers verdict.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) may have to navigate their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal without their star forward, Ousmane Dembele. The French international, who has been instrumental in PSG’s attack this season, suffered a hamstring injury during the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, casting doubt over his availability for the return fixture.
Dembele was forced off midway through the second half in PSG’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal, a match in which he scored the decisive goal. PSG manager Luis Enrique admitted post-match that Dembele’s condition would need further assessment, and the club later released a statement confirming that his recovery was progressing but remained uncertain.
Stephen Smith, CEO of Kitman Labs, an injury welfare and performance analytics firm, has expressed doubts about Dembele’s chances of playing against Arsenal. Smith told Metro that even a minor hamstring strain typically requires at least two weeks of recovery, making it highly unlikely that Dembele will be fit in time. He warned that rushing the player back could pose a significant risk, potentially leading to a more severe injury that could sideline him for an extended period.
With the Ligue 1 title already secured, PSG’s primary focus is on winning the Champions League, a trophy that has eluded them despite their dominance in domestic competitions. The temptation to push Dembele back into action is strong, given his importance to the team. However, medical experts caution against such a move, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach.
Luis Enrique has hinted that PSG will prioritize Dembele’s long-term fitness over short-term gains. While the club remains hopeful, the likelihood of seeing Dembele on the pitch against slim.
Arsenal, who struggled to break down PSG’s defense in the first leg, may see Dembele’s absence as an opportunity to turn the tie in their favor. Mikel Arteta’s side will need to capitalize on PSG’s potential attacking setback and find a way to breach their opponent’s defense in Paris.
More information regarding Dembele’s condition will be eagerly anticipated by PSG supporters as the second leg draws near. Whether he makes a miraculous recovery or is forced to watch from the sidelines, his absence could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of this high-stakes encounte
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