Ousmane Dembele, PSG’s unpredictable X-factor, is back—and so is the French Club’s Champions League dreams.
Just one week after limping off with a muscle injury moments after scoring the winning goal at the Emirates, Dembélé has been passed fit for Wednesday’s seismic second-leg clash against Arsenal at the Parc des Princes.
With a Champions League final within touching distance, the timing couldn’t be better.
“He is available for tomorrow,” says Luis Enrique
“He has been training with the squad for two days so he is available for tomorrow,” PSG manager Luis Enrique confirmed at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, flashing the calm confidence of a man steering a squad finally clicking into gear.
It’s a huge boost for the Paris side whose recent version, forged under the tactical discipline and philosophy of Enrique, thrives on cohesion, structure, and a shared identity—traits long absent during the club’s previous continental heartbreaks.
From star power to team power
“This season we’ve grown so much as a team. You have to be ready for any scenario and pay attention from start to finish,” Enrique said.
“The target for the coming years is to keep improving the process.”
That process was on full display in London last week. PSG smothered Arsenal’s rhythm with a masterclass in pressing, compactness, and possession. It wasn’t flashy—it was ruthlessly effective.
Hakimi: ‘They must feel the Parc is our home’
Defender Achraf Hakimi captured the squad’s new mentality best.
“The key is to show our personality with and without the ball and press high.”
“Arsenal will need to feel that the Parc des Princes is our home,” Hakimi said.
With Dembélé back, expect Paris to bring the heat from the first whistle. The French winger’s electric pace and intelligent movement will again test the Gunners’ backline—already rattled by his match-winner in the first leg.
A different game awaits, warns Enrique
While PSG enjoy the advantage of that 1-0 win, Enrique is under no illusions that the second leg will be more of the same.
“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,” Luis Enrique said.
He didn’t elaborate—but his words hint at tactical surprises, perhaps an even bolder approach to cement PSG’s place in the final.
History on the line
Paris Saint-Germain are aiming for just their second-ever Champions League final appearance. The last time they reached this stage, they fell 1-0 to Bayern Munich in 2020.
Arsenal, meanwhile, haven’t been this close to the summit since their lone final appearance in 2006—also in Paris—where they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this heavyweight clash will book a spot in the May 31 final in Munich against either Inter Milan or Barcelona.
