Five days from the semi-final crucial return of the Champions League against Arsenal, where Paris Saint-Germain will defend its advantage acquired in the first leg (1-0), all eyes are turned towards the management of the group by Luis Enrique. The trip to Strasbourg this Saturday in Ligue 1 Saturday, although the title of champion is already assured, serves above all for preparation for the European shock. And during his press conference this Friday, the Spanish coach dropped capital information concerning one of his key men, released on injury in London: Ousmane Dembélé. A news that will not fail to fuel concerns before Tuesday.
The news has fallen, direct and unequivocal: Ousmane Dembélé will not be traveling to Alsace. “Tomorrow he's not going to play, that's for sure,” a sliced Luis Enrique. Touched in the hamstrings during the first leg against the Gunners, the French winger is therefore officially forfeited for this 32nd day of Ligue 1.. Asked about how to anticipate a possible longer absence, especially for Tuesday's return match against Arsenal, the Parisian coach has however remained faithful to himself, very elusive and refusing to give more details on gravity or the duration of unavailability. The doubt therefore always hovers for the European meeting.
Dembélé is not sure to be able to play the return match against Arsenal.
This confirmed absence of Dembélé is part of a clear approach to this match in Strasbourg: the absolute priority is given to the Champions League. Luis Enrique also swept away the idea of targeting any record of invincibility outside in the league. “” It would be good to win the match in Strasbourg but the motivation is to prepare for the Champions League match, not to break a record. he explained. He even added that
“Every minute spent with the PSG jersey (in L1) must be useful for the matches of other competitions”. We can therefore expect a large rotation and tactical tests in Strasbourg.
The shadow of Dembélé hovers before the return to the Gunners
Despite the European context and the stake, Luis Enrique wanted to defend his players in the face of any criticism or doubts. Asked about Bradley Barcola, he praised his importance (“extremely important and will”), recalling his qualities of dribbler without dwelling on the “Positive or the negative” of its recent performance. He also supported Gianluigi Donnarumma in the face of ” often negative noise ”, Insisting on the collective force: ” We have shown that we are a team. »» He even minimized the idea of an exceptional atmosphere at PSG: “90% of L1 teams are families (…) We are not really different. Finally, he reaffirmed his total disinterest in individual awards, such as his appointment to the UNFP trophies.
The main information of this press conference therefore remains the ACCTE Package of Ousmane Dembélé for Strasbourg, which logically intensifies concern about its presence on Tuesday for the most important match of the Parisian season so far. Luis Enrique, faithful to his communication, keeps his hidden cards concerning Arsenal but displays serene confidence in the ability of his group to perform, with or without his star winger. The countdown is launched, and uncertainty around Dembélé will hold the supporters in suspense until the last moment.
