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Luis Enrique confirms injury blow for PSG hero ahead of Arsenal second leg

Arsenal FC v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg
Enrique confirmed post-match his forward is a doubt next week (Picture: Getty)

Ousmane Dembele picked up a hamstring injury that has left him a doubt for Paris Saint-Germain’s return leg against Arsenal next week.

The France international silenced the Emirates with a superb strike after four minutes at the Emirates on Tuesday night, taking his tally to the season to 32.

His goal sealed a 1-0 win for the visitors, leaving them in control of the semi-final tie at the halway stage.

The former Barcelona star was replaced midway through the second-half by Bradley Barcola and while he didn’t appear to be any discomfort as he left the pitch, it was later confirmed his withdrawal was enforced.

RMC Sport report Dembele will now be monitored in the coming days.

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PSG boss Luis Enrique was thrilled with his side’s performance in London but admitted his star forward will now be a doubt for the second leg in Paris next week.

Enrique said in his post-match press conference: ‘I don’t know anything. The medical tests will take place tomorrow.

Dembele scored a superb goal at the Emirates (Picture: Reuters)

‘It’s nothing serious, it’s quite minor, but there’s a doubt for the return match.’

He added to Canal+: ‘We’re a real team. If Ousmane can play, that’s good. If he doesn’t, we’ll see a team.’

PSG star Achraf Hakimi spoke to Dembele after his withdrawal, later revealing his teammate is hopeful of being available next week.

‘We did a good job. It’s not over yet. We had a good first match, and the second one remains in Paris. We have to improve every match.

Dembele has scored 32 goals this season (Picture: Getty)

‘Dembele? I spoke with him. He’s calm. I hope he’ll be with us.’

PSG have already eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa from the Champions League knockout stages this season.

The French champions also came from behind to beat Manchester City in the initial league phase.

PSG, who clinched the French title at the beginning of April, are in action away to Strasbourg on Saturday. Arsenal, with little to play for in the Premier League with Liverpool wrapping up the title on Sunday, taking on Bournemouth.

Both sides will be expected to make plenty of changes ahead of next week’s second leg.

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