PSG XI vs Arsenal: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and Dembele injury latest for Champions League | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain look poised to have their influential top scorer ready for second-leg decider against the Gunners

Paris Saint-Germain look set to have Ousmane Dembele fit for their Champions League semi-final second-leg decider against Arsenal.

That goal silenced the home crowd and gave Luis Enrique’s reigning French champions a crucial lead to take back to the Parc des Princes for Wednesday night’s pivotal return fixture, where a place in the showpiece in Munich on May 31 against either Inter Milan or Barcelona is on the line.

However, Dembele was replaced by France team-mate Bradley Barcola after 70 minutes in north London, with Enrique admitting after the game that he had suffered a hamstring injury and was a doubt for the second leg.

The 27-year-old was among a whole host of players to miss out on Saturday as much-changed PSG lost in Ligue 1 for the second time in a row against Strasbourg, with everybody who started against Arsenal rested for a 2-1 defeat by Liam Rosenior’s side at the Stade de la Meinau, bar midfielder Joao Neves.

However, Dembele was said to be improving and was pictured back in training in Paris both on Monday evening and again on Tuesday morning, raising hopes that he will be ready to resume his usual starting role on Wednesday.

PSG are expected to name the same team as the first leg against Arsenal, with Desire Doue likely to get the nod over Barcola in attack again after the latter started and played the full 90 minutes against Strasbourg.

Enrique could be without a useful reserve option though in South Korean winger Lee Kang-in, who made way for Doue at half-time at the weekend after suffering a shin complaint.

PSG remain without centre-back stalwart Presnel Kimpembe, who is being rested at the moment as he deals with swelling in his foot having only returned from two years out injured back in February. Captain Marquinhos and Willian Pacho are the first-choice central defenders.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is among the first names on the teamsheet in goal and starred with a couple of crucial saves in the first leg, with Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes the regular full-backs.

Neves should again be joined in midfield by Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha, with Dembele - if fully fit - flanked up top by Kvaratskhelia and Doue. Goncalo Ramos would presumably lead the line instead if Dembele - who has netted 33 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions so far this season, including eight in the Champions League - is not able to start.

Predicted PSG XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Doue

Injured: Kimpembe

Doubt: Lee

Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday May 7, 2025

How to watch: TNT Sports

Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)