UEFA Champions League: Ousmane Dembele Benched for PSG vs Arsenal Semi-Final Despite Being Declared Fit

Ousmane Dembele

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele will start on the bench in Wednesday’s highly anticipated Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, even though manager Luis Enrique confirmed the player is “ready” to play.
Dembele was the hero of the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, scoring the lone goal that gave PSG a 1-0 advantage. However, he picked up a hamstring injury during that match and was later substituted. The injury kept him out of action during PSG’s 2-1 loss to Strasbourg in their Ligue 1 fixture over the weekend.
Despite his absence from the domestic match, Dembele has since returned to full training with the squad. Speaking ahead of the match, coach Luis Enrique told French broadcaster Canal Plus:“He is ready, but he is not starting the match.”

PSG Make One Change as Barcola Starts
In Dembele’s place, Bradley Barcola has been named in the starting XI and will feature in the front frontline alongside Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This is PSG’s only change from the team that featured in the first leg in London.
Luis Enrique has shown confidence in his attacking trio, hoping to maintain the momentum from their narrow first-leg win. PSG’s tactical flexibility and strong midfield led by Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz could prove decisive as they aim for a place in the Champions League final.

Arsenal Receive Boost with Thomas Partey’s Return
Arsenal, on the other hand, will welcome Thomas Partey back into the starting lineup. Partey missed the first leg due to suspension but has now returned to anchor the midfield, providing strength and balance alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Partey's inclusion means Mikel Merino pushes forward into a more advanced role in the attacking line. Leandro Trossard has been relegated to the bench despite recent impressive performances in the Premier League.
Another key change for the Gunners sees Jurrien Timber starting at right-back. Timber had been a pre-match fitness doubt, but medical clearance came through just in time for the crucial encounter.

All Roads Lead to Munich
The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the winner of this second leg will advance to the 2025 UEFA Champions League Final on May 31 in Munich. The finalists will meet Inter Milan, who came through an epic semi-final battle against Barcelona, winning 7-6 on aggregate.
This match at the Parc des Princes promises to be a thrilling clash between two of Europe’s most tactically adept sides. PSG will look to defend their lead, while Arsenal aims to overturn the deficit and secure their first final appearance under Mikel Arteta.

Confirmed Starting Line-Ups
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3):
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (captain), Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Coach: Luis Enrique (Spain)

Arsenal (4-3-3):

David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard (captain), Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli
Coach: Mikel Arteta (Spain)

Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)