Arsenal have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with French forward Ousmane Dembélé omitted from the PSG squad. Dembélé, who has been in fine form for the Ligue 1 side this season, will miss the match following a reported disagreement with PSG manager Luis Enrique.
The 27-year-old Frenchman, who has scored four goals in six Ligue 1 matches this season, has been one of PSG’s standout performers. He also played a key role in their 1-0 victory over Spanish side Girona in their Champions League opener. However, his exclusion from the squad for the match against Arsenal has provided Mikel Arteta’s side with a timely advantage as they prepare to face the French champions.
Dembélé’s Impact and the PSG Fallout
Ousmane Dembélé’s exclusion from PSG’s squad is a major talking point, especially given his form this season. His pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing have made him a crucial part of Luis Enrique’s attack, and his presence would have undoubtedly posed a significant threat to Arsenal’s defense. However, according to reports, a disagreement between the player and the manager during PSG’s 3-1 win over Rennes in the French top flight on Friday led to his omission.
Dembélé was substituted late in the match against Rennes, and it is believed that the forward did not react well to being taken off, which reportedly angered Enrique. The PSG boss did not shy away from addressing the situation when asked about the forward’s absence from the squad.
“If someone doesn’t comply or respect the expectations of the team, it means they are not prepared to play,” Enrique said, making it clear that discipline and adherence to team principles were non-negotiable.
While the specifics of the disagreement remain unclear, it appears that Enrique is sending a message to his squad about maintaining unity and respect for his authority, even if it means leaving out a key player ahead of a big European match.
A Boost for Arsenal
For Arsenal, Dembélé’s absence is a huge boost. Mikel Arteta’s side has been preparing for one of their toughest Champions League group-stage matches, and not having to contend with the threat of Dembélé will ease some of the pressure on Arsenal’s defense. The French forward’s blistering speed and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations would have been a major concern for the Gunners.
The Emirates Stadium will be buzzing with anticipation as Arsenal look to build on their solid start to the season. Currently sitting near the top of the Premier League table, Arsenal have shown resilience and quality in both domestic and European competitions. Their defense, led by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, has been particularly solid this season, but Dembélé’s absence could make their task slightly more manageable.
While PSG still possess a wealth of attacking options, including the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani, Dembélé’s absence means one less dynamic threat to deal with. Arsenal’s midfield, marshaled by captain Martin Ødegaard and the versatile Declan Rice, will also have the freedom to focus on controlling the game without the constant worry of Dembélé’s counter-attacking prowess.
PSG’s Adjustments Without Dembélé
Even without Dembélé, PSG remain a formidable opponent. Kylian Mbappé, arguably one of the best players in the world, will be the main focal point of their attack, and Arsenal will need to devise a plan to contain him. Mbappé’s movement, finishing, and ability to create space for his teammates will require close attention from Arsenal’s backline.
In addition to Mbappé, Luis Enrique will likely turn to Kolo Muani and Gonçalo Ramos to fill the attacking void left by Dembélé. Both players have the ability to cause problems for Arsenal, with Kolo Muani known for his dribbling and link-up play, while Ramos is a clinical finisher who can exploit any defensive lapses.
Enrique’s decision to leave Dembélé out also suggests that he is willing to make bold calls for the benefit of team cohesion. It will be interesting to see how PSG adjust tactically without one of their key players and whether Enrique’s gamble pays off in such a high-stakes match.
Also Read:
