Paris Saint-Germain hosts Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals on Wednesday, looking to build on their 1-0 first-leg victory secured in London.
PSG receives a boost with Ousmane Dembele returning after his hamstring injury, sustained after scoring the winner in the first leg. Coach Luis Enrique confirmed Dembele trained with the team, though the player was ultimately named among the substitutes, suggesting he might not be fully fit for the whole match.
Enrique emphasized the importance of the game, potentially leading PSG to only their second ever Champions League final, having lost the 2020 final to Bayern Munich. Key players like Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves are expected to feature prominently for the hosts.
Arsenal faces more significant injury concerns for the second leg, with several key players including Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined. Thomas Partey is available again after serving a suspension in the first leg and is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. The attacking lineup is anticipated to feature Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Predicted Starting 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
