Following their 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals in London last week, Luis Enrique`s Paris Saint-Germain side prepares to face Mikel Arteta`s team again at home in Paris on Wednesday, aiming for another significant result.
Regarding team news, PSG welcomes back star player Ousmane Dembele for the Arsenal clash. The Frenchman has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained shortly after scoring the decisive goal in London. Key attacking threats Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are anticipated to start, supported by midfielders Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. Speaking ahead of the return leg, manager Luis Enrique highlighted the significance of the match, potentially leading PSG to only their second-ever Champions League final.
Luis Enrique commented on his coaching philosophy: `It`s been one of my goals since I joined the club: to offer our fans an attractive playing philosophy. Our way of playing must make the fans proud, with special values.` He confirmed Dembele`s availability: `Ousmane Dembele will be available for the game. He trained with us two days in a row.` However, when the starting lineups were announced, Dembele was listed among the substitutes, perhaps not deemed ready for a full 90 minutes.
Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal squad faces more significant injury concerns compared to their opponents. Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Riccardo Calafiori are all unavailable for this second leg due to various issues. A boost for the Gunners comes with the return of Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg due to suspension. He is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, providing support for the likely attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Predicted Lineups
PSG XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal XI: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli
