Dembele Given Green Light for Arsenal Showdown as PSG Pursue Champions League Triumph

Paris Saint-Germain received a timely boost ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday, with Ousmane Dembele being declared fit to play. The French champions are hoping to translate their growing squad cohesion into a spot in the final.

Dembele, who netted the sole goal in last week’s 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, suffered a muscle injury during that match but is ready to contribute at the Parc des Princes.

“He has trained with the team for the past two days, so he is available for tomorrow,” PSG manager Luis Enrique stated at a press conference on Tuesday.

This is welcome news for a PSG side whose progress this season has relied more on collective effort and tactical maturity than on individual flair, a quality that has often eluded them in previous European outings.

Enrique, who was brought in to reshape a team previously centred around star names, has made it clear that his goal is to build a cohesive unit capable of competing at the very highest levels.

“This season we’ve grown significantly as a team,” he remarked. “It’s crucial to be ready for any scenario and maintain focus from the beginning to the end.

“Our aim for the upcoming years is to continue improving this process,” he added when asked about last season’s semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

This steady evolution was evident in the first leg in London, where PSG’s compact formation, aggressive pressing, and disciplined possession stifled Arsenal’s attacking flow.

Defender Achraf Hakimi pointed out that the team’s newfound identity has been pivotal to their current success.

“The key is to demonstrate our character with and without the ball and press high up the pitch,” Hakimi stated.

“Arsenal will need to feel that the Parc des Princes is our fortress.”

PSG’s only appearance in a Champions League final ended in disappointment against Bayern Munich in 2020, while Arsenal’s single final was in 2006, where they were defeated by Barcelona in Paris.

“We will need to match our performance from last week, but while many expect a similar type of game, I can assure you it will be completely different,” Luis Enrique said confidently.

The winners will go on to face either Inter Milan or Barcelona, who will compete later on Tuesday, in the final set to take place in Munich on May 31st.