Dembelé's return leg in jeopardy? A lot of optimism and one doubter
Ousmane Dembelé has given the all-clear after being substituted due to injury in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. However, his coach still sowed some doubts.
Hoping to play in the return leg: Ousmane Dembelé. IMAGO/ZUMA Press Wire
No, this substitution certainly couldn't have been performance-related. When Ousmane Dembelé made way for Bradley Barcola in the 70th minute, he not only scored the only goal of the game , but also performed tremendously valuable work for Paris St. Germain in the absence of the ball. Then, in the middle of his own team's possession, the attacker sat down on the pitch with a pained expression on his face. He finally left the pitch a short time later, escorted by staff and disappeared into the dressing room.
Apparently, muscular problems in his thigh forced Dembelé to retire – always a warning sign for the Frenchman. During his time at FC Barcelona, he was repeatedly sidelined for long periods due to various muscle injuries, and only in the last few months has he reportedly been completely free of symptoms.
Dembelé apparently wasn't hit any harder, though. "It's okay," French media quoted the 27-year-old attacker as saying. "I felt something, but it's okay." His teammate Achraf Hakimi had already given the all-clear. "He's fine, it was just a little exhaustion," the right-back told Canal+.
Coach Luis Enrique was somewhat more reserved at the press conference. "I can't tell you anything yet," the Spaniard explained. "There will be medical tests, and then we'll communicate something." An official statement from PSG is still pending. "It's nothing serious, more like something minor," said the coach, but declined to confirm that Dembelé would be back in action next Wednesday at the Parc des Princes: "There's already a question mark over the return leg." Further tests are expected to provide more precise information.
An absence of Dembelé would be difficult for PSG to compensate for. The former Dortmund player was directly involved in four of PSG's seven goals in the Champions League knockout matches and is currently in the form of his life. Gonçalo Ramos, who came on as a substitute in London, could be a possible replacement at center forward. Given the narrow margin and a potentially counter-attacking style, Luis Enrique could also opt for a three-man attack consisting of Desiré Doué , Khvicha Kvaratskhelia , and Barcola.
