Paris St Germain have received a significant boost ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Arsenal on Wednesday, with winger Ousmane Dembele declared fit. Dembele, who scored the decisive goal in PSG’s 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium last week, had picked up a muscle injury during the match.
“He has been training with the squad for two days so he is available for tomorrow,” PSG coach Luis Enrique confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday.
This news will be welcomed by a PSG side that has shown a greater emphasis on team unity and tactical discipline this season, a departure from previous campaigns often reliant on individual star power. Luis Enrique, appointed to reshape the squad, has consistently stressed his aim to forge a cohesive unit capable of challenging for top honors.
“This season we’ve grown so much as a team,” he stated. “You have to be ready for any scenario and pay attention from start to finish. The target for the coming years is to keep improving the process,” he added, reflecting on their previous semi-final exit against Borussia Dortmund last season.
PSG’s newfound collective strength was evident in the first leg in London, where their compact formation, aggressive pressing, and controlled possession effectively stifled Arsenal’s attacking threat. Defender Achraf Hakimi emphasized the team’s evolving identity as crucial to their Champions League run.
“The key is to show our personality with and without the ball and press high,” Hakimi asserted. “Arsenal will need to feel that the Parc des Princes is our home.”
PSG’s only previous Champions League final appearance ended in defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020, while Arsenal’s sole final was in 2006, a loss against Barcelona in Paris.
Looking ahead to the second leg, Luis Enrique anticipated a different encounter. “We will have to be as good as last week, but while many expect the same kind of game, I guarantee you it will be completely different,” he predicted.
The winner of the PSG-Arsenal tie will proceed to the Champions League final in Munich on May 31, where they will face either Inter Milan or Barcelona, who play their second leg later on Tuesday.
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