Paris Saint-Germain have been dealt a major injury concern ahead of their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, with star winger Ousmane Dembélé confirmed to be nursing a hamstring strain.
The French international, who has been in exceptional form this season, played a key role in PSG’s 1–0 victory over the Premier League side in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Dembélé struck early in the fourth minute of Tuesday’s match, securing the vital away goal that handed the Ligue 1 champions a slender advantage heading into the return fixture in Paris. However, his evening was cut short in the second half when he was forced to leave the field due to discomfort in his leg.
Since that match, the 26-year-old has not returned to full training, and PSG have now confirmed the nature of his injury. In a medical update released on Friday, the club stated that Dembélé has suffered a strain in his right hamstring. While the injury is not considered severe, it is being closely monitored and another evaluation will be conducted soon to determine the extent of his availability for upcoming fixtures.
“Ousmane Dembélé has strained his right hamstring,” read the official statement from PSG. “His condition is progressing well. A further assessment will be carried out shortly.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique addressed the situation in his press conference ahead of the weekend’s domestic clash, ruling the winger out of action for that game and expressing uncertainty over his availability for the second leg against Arsenal. “He won’t play, that’s for sure,” Enrique said. “It’s not serious, it’s something very minor, but he’s probably a doubt for the second leg. We’ll try to get Ousmane back, but if he doesn’t play, we’re still a real team. We’ve said that since the beginning of the season.”
Dembélé himself also attempted to ease worries regarding his fitness after the first-leg victory. Speaking to French outlet L’Équipe, he said: “I felt a little something, but it’s okay.” Despite his optimism, his absence from training since then has left fans concerned about whether he’ll be able to feature in one of PSG’s most crucial matches of the season.
The winger has been one of PSG’s standout performers during the 2024–25 campaign. Known for his blistering pace, quick feet, and creativity, Dembélé has played an instrumental role in PSG’s attacking success. He has contributed a total of 33 goals across all competitions, including 11 direct goal involvements—goals and assists—in the Champions League. His form in 2025 has been particularly impressive, with a league-leading 30 goal contributions, more than any player in Europe’s top five leagues during the calendar year.
His potential absence would be a big blow to PSG, who will host Arsenal at the Parc des Princes in what promises to be a fiercely contested second leg. PSG are aiming to reach the final of Europe’s elite competition for the second time in their history, having previously finished as runners-up in 2020. A fully fit Dembélé would significantly increase their chances of holding onto their narrow lead and progressing to the final.
In contrast to the high stakes of the Champions League semi-final, PSG’s upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg is relatively inconsequential. The Parisian side currently hold a commanding lead in the domestic league and are widely expected to secure yet another league title. As such, manager Luis Enrique is expected to heavily rotate his squad to ensure key players are rested and protected ahead of next week’s European showdown.
Arsenal, meanwhile, face a much more pressing domestic challenge as they continue their Premier League title pursuit. Mikel Arteta’s men are set to host Bournemouth in a crucial match that could have significant implications for the title race. With Manchester City breathing down their necks, the Gunners must win to keep their championship hopes alive. However, Arteta will also need to manage his squad carefully, knowing that just days later, they will travel to Paris for one of their biggest European fixtures in years.
Both teams are now carefully managing their squads, with the Champions League semi-final second leg looming large on the horizon. PSG’s coaching staff are hopeful that Dembélé will recover in time, but they are also preparing for the possibility that he may not be available. Enrique emphasized the depth and quality within his squad, suggesting that even without their French winger, they have the necessary talent and character to overcome Arsenal.
