Ousmane Dembélé’s Injury Concern Raises Doubts About PSG’s Attack as They Prepare for Champions League Return Leg in Paris

Ousmane Dembélé's Injury Concern Raises

Ousmane Dembélé’s stellar run of form for Paris Saint-Germain this season has been a major highlight, but it appears the French forward’s involvement in the upcoming Champions League semi-final second leg could now be in jeopardy.

The 26-year-old scored the only goal in PSG’s first leg victory against Arsenal at the Emirates, but now, his participation in the return leg at the Parc des Princes is under serious doubt due to a hamstring injury.

Injury Concern for PSG Star

The injury, which occurred during the second half of PSG’s win in London, has left fans and team management alike anxiously awaiting updates.

Dembélé, who has been in outstanding form this season, has contributed 33 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, proving instrumental in PSG’s offensive play.

Unfortunately, this setback could sideline him for what is expected to be a crucial match against Arsenal next week.

In a medical update released by PSG on Friday, the club confirmed that Dembélé had strained his right hamstring, with his condition being monitored.

“Ousmane Dembélé has strained his right hamstring.

His condition is progressing well, and further assessment will be carried out shortly,” the statement read.

While PSG fans remain hopeful, the situation remains uncertain.

Luis Enrique’s Optimism

Despite the injury, PSG head coach Luis Enrique has expressed cautious optimism.

Dembélé himself seemed to downplay the severity of the injury after the match against Arsenal, stating that he felt “a little something” but was otherwise “okay.”

Enrique echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that PSG will do everything they can to get Dembélé back on the pitch for the return leg.

“If Ousmane can play, that’s better. If not, we’ll still be a real team.

We’ve been saying that since the start of the season,” Enrique remarked.

The Frenchman has been an integral part of PSG’s attack, and his absence would undoubtedly be felt.

However, Enrique has made it clear that the team’s strength goes beyond individual players, stressing that the collective effort is what will drive them forward.

Arsenal’s Injury Woes Ahead of Paris Showdown

While PSG is dealing with Dembélé’s injury, Arsenal also has concerns about key players ahead of the crucial second leg.

The Gunners are unlikely to have Jorginho or Riccardo Calafiori available, although Calafiori is expected to be back in first-team training next week.

Additionally, there is a possibility that Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined following surgery for a hamstring injury sustained during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai, could return before the season ends.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave a positive update on Havertz’s recovery, stating, “If everything goes the way it’s going at the moment and the way it’s planned, I think he will have a chance to play a few games before the season concludes.”

Havertz’s return would certainly bolster Arsenal’s attacking options as they look to overturn their deficit against PSG.

The Road to the Final

With both teams facing injury concerns, the stage is set for an intense second leg in Paris.

PSG will be hoping to have their star forward back in time to help them secure a place in the final, while Arsenal will be looking to capitalize on any potential absences from the French side.

As the countdown to the Champions League return leg continues, all eyes will be on the fitness updates from both teams, with Dembélé and Havertz’s conditions remaining key storylines ahead of what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the semi-final.