PSG star sits out training as precaution of second leg against Arsenal | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain are wrapping top scorer Ousmane Dembele in cotton wool ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

Dembele has put up thunderous numbers since December and now has 33 goals and a further 22 assists to his name across all competitions this season.

The former Barcelona forward scored PSG's early goal at the Emirates Stadium in last week's first leg, which hands the French side the advantage heading into the second leg at Parc des Princes.

But Dembele only played 70 minutes of the opening encounter, withdrawn through injury.

RMC Sport has reported it was diagnosed as a "small" hamstring issue, but is prompting a precautionary approach from PSG. The 27-year-old sat out Thursday's training session and is not expected to play any part in this weekend's league match Strasbourg.

The overriding hope is that by the time it gets to Wednesday, Dembele will have had sufficient rest to once again lead the line for the visit of Arsenal.

Should Dembele be ruled out, it would be considered a boost to the Gunners, who have to win by one goal in the French capital just to force extra-time.

PSG and Arsenal are both targeting Champions League glory for the first time. The French giants reached the final in 2020, narrowly losing out against Bayern Munich. Arsenal played the 2006 edition against Barcelona and were leading until a late comeback.