Ousmane Dembele picked up a hamstring injury in PSG’s Champions League win against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
The France international broke the deadlock just four minutes into the encounter giving PSG a narrow 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg of their semi-final clash on home turf.
What happened?
At the 70th minute, the 26-year-old was substituted — Bradley Barcola taking his place — as he limped off in what appeared to be a hamstring problem, sparking speculations about his availability for the return fixture in Paris. The sight of Dembele hobbling off raised alarms for the fans, particularly given how integral he has been to PSG’s success this season across multiple competitions.
What Luis Enrique said
Following the match, PSG manager Luis Enrique addressed Dembele’s situation and said: “We’re going to try to get Dembele 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. We’ve been saying that since the start of the season. He’ll undergo tests tomorrow. It’s not serious, it’s something very minor, but he’s probably a doubt for the second leg.”
Dembele himself attempted to ease fears following the match. Speaking to L’Équipe, the 26-year-old said: “I felt a little something, but it’s OK.”
Champions League history night
Dembele’s goal in the fourth minute didn’t just put PSG ahead – it also earned him a slice of club history. His eighth goal of the tournament brought his total goal contributions to 11, matching Kylian Mbappé’s record for most goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign for the club.
Dembele injury concerns
Dembele’s injury comes at a critical juncture in what could be a historic campaign for the French champions. PSG have already secured the Ligue 1 title and are set to contest the French Cup final. With Champions League glory now firmly in their sights, they are on course for a treble.
With only a week to go before the decisive clash with Arsenal at the Parc des Princes, PSG’s medical team will be racing against time to ensure Dembele’s fit enough to contribute again.
DC is a sport reporting platform crafted to dish out reliable updates on sporting activities worldwide.
