Paris Saint-Germain is set to host Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals in Paris on Wednesday. Following their 1-0 victory in the first leg held last week in London, Luis Enrique`s team is aiming to secure another significant win against Mikel Arteta`s side at their home ground.
Regarding the team news, PSG welcomes back star forward Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained shortly after scoring the crucial goal in the first leg against the Gunners. While coach Luis Enrique had indicated Dembele`s availability, he was ultimately named among the substitutes for the match, suggesting he may not be ready for a full 90 minutes. Other key players expected to feature in the starting lineup include Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, alongside midfielders Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. Speaking ahead of the return leg, Luis Enrique highlighted the match`s potential historical significance for PSG, who are looking to reach their second ever Champions League final after their 2020 defeat to Bayern Munich. He stated, “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.”
Arsenal, on the other hand, is dealing with more significant injury concerns compared to the home side. Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all unavailable for the second leg. Riccardo Calafiori also remains sidelined with a knee injury. However, Thomas Partey returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension in the first leg. He is expected to start in the three-man midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, supporting a likely attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, 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
