Paris Saint-Germain can breathe a sigh of relief. The injury Ousmane Dembélé sustained against Arsenal appears to be less serious than initially feared. According to the Parisian club, the star player in Luis Enrique’s squad could already be available for the return leg against the London side.
Paris Saint-Germain can breathe a sigh of relief after confirming that Ousmane Dembélé’s injury, sustained during the thrilling 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg, is not as serious as initially feared.
The French winger was forced to leave the pitch in the 70th minute, prompting immediate concern among fans, teammates, and staff alike. However, following medical assessments, the club announced that the issue is a minor strain to his right hamstring a manageable problem that, with proper care, should not keep him out for long. PSG now expect him to be available for the crucial second leg at the Parc des Princes, a match that could define their European season.
For PSG supporters, the sight of Dembélé leaving the pitch was a worrying one. The 26-year-old has been in phenomenal form this season, finally living up to the world-class potential that has followed him since his teenage years. After years of setbacks, particularly during his time at Barcelona where he battled multiple muscle injuries and long recovery periods, Dembélé has found consistency, rhythm, and confidence in Paris. Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, he has become not just a key figure in PSG’s attacking setup, but a game-changer a player capable of deciding the biggest matches.
Against Arsenal, he showed that once again. In a high-stakes European semi-final, it was Dembélé who opened the scoring with a brilliant finish, putting PSG ahead and lifting the crowd into full voice. His pace, close control, and unpredictable dribbling gave the Gunners’ defence problems throughout the first half. But when he signaled for a substitution midway through the second half, memories of his injury-plagued past resurfaced. The decision to replace him with Bradley Barcola was a precaution, and now it seems to have paid off, with no long-term damage reported.
A medical report released on Thursday confirmed that Dembélé has a mild hamstring strain in his right leg. As a result, he will sit out PSG’s upcoming Ligue 1 match against RC Strasbourg on Saturday. That absence, however, is unlikely to affect the team, as PSG have already been crowned champions of France with games to spare. It’s Dembélé who will feel the disappointment most every minute on the pitch this season has been an opportunity to reinforce his status as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
Statistically, his campaign has been nothing short of excellent. In just 28 appearances across all competitions, he has scored 21 goals and delivered 6 assists. Beyond the numbers, his influence is felt in the flow of PSG’s attacking play drawing defenders out of position, creating space for teammates, and providing relentless width and speed. His partnership with Kylian Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani has given PSG one of the most dynamic forward lines in Europe, capable of breaking down even the most disciplined defences.
Luis Enrique, known for his trust in technical and mobile players, has built a system that suits Dembélé perfectly. Unlike his often-rotated role at Barcelona, the Frenchman now has a clearly defined position and responsibility, which has helped bring out the best in him. Enrique has repeatedly praised Dembélé’s attitude, work rate, and tactical discipline traits that, combined with his natural flair, make him one of the most complete wide players in the world right now.
Looking ahead to the second leg against Arsenal, his availability could be pivotal. The tie is finely balanced at 2-2, and with away goals no longer a factor in UEFA competitions, every detail will matter in the return fixture. PSG know they will need their stars to be at their best, and Dembélé’s ability to produce something special out of nowhere makes him a potential match-winner.
There is also a broader context at play. With Kylian Mbappé’s future still uncertain and the club continuing its post-Neymar, post-Messi identity shift, players like Dembélé are taking on greater importance. He is not just a support act he is now seen as a leader within the squad, someone who can carry the club’s ambitions on both the domestic and European stage.
While the Strasbourg match will be a chance for rotation and rest, all eyes are already on the Parc des Princes, where PSG will attempt to reach the Champions League final for only the second time in their history. For Dembélé, it’s another opportunity to shine to silence the doubts that once surrounded him, and to show the world just how far he has come. If he does return in time, as expected, it could be one of the most important appearances of his career.
