Paris Saint-Germain have been dealt a major setback ahead of their decisive UEFA Champions League second leg clash with Arsenal, as winger Ousmane Dembélé confirmed he will miss the match due to injury. In a deeply emotional press conference, the
French international shared the devastating news, revealing that a recent medical evaluation has ruled him out of the crucial encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Dembélé, who has played a key role in PSG’s campaign this season, was visibly distressed as he recounted the difficult moment he received his diagnosis.
After sustaining a muscle injury during a recent Ligue 1 game, there had been optimism within the club that he would recover in time.
However, tests conducted earlier today confirmed that the injury was more serious than initially thought.
Fighting back tears, the 26-year-old opened up about the heartbreak of missing such an important fixture.
“I try to be strong, but when the doctors gave me the full picture of the injury, I couldn’t hold back the tears,” Dembélé said.
“Missing the game against Arsenal is a massive blow — not just for me, but for the team. It’s incredibly painful.
This match has meant so much to us all season.”
Dembélé was one of PSG’s standout performers in the first leg at Parc des Princes, where he delivered an impressive display and scored a crucial goal.
His absence for the return fixture leaves a significant gap in Luis Enrique’s attacking plans as the French side look to overturn a narrow deficit in North London.
Speaking with evident frustration, Dembélé emphasized how deeply this moment affects him and his teammates.
“We’ve poured everything into this Champions League journey.
This isn’t just a football match — it’s a dream we’ve all shared from the start.
Not being able to stand by my teammates on such a big night is heartbreaking,” he said.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique also expressed his disappointment following the news, calling Dembélé’s injury a “huge loss” for the team.
“It’s a tough moment for Ousmane and for all of us,” the manager stated. “He’s been vital to our efforts this season.
But I believe in his resilience — he’ll come back stronger. For now, it’s up to the rest of the squad to step up and carry on the fight he helped lead.”
As the Parisians prepare for one of their biggest challenges of the season without one of their star players, fans across the globe have taken to social media to send messages of encouragement and support to Dembélé.
While his return depends on PSG’s progression in the tournament, the hope remains that he could feature again should they make it to the later stages.