Luis Enrique dismisses Ousmane Dembélé ahead of Arsenal clash

Thunderbolt in Paris. A few minutes before the announcement of Antoine Griezmann’s international retirement, we thought we had the information from the start of the day: RMC reports that PSG made the trip to London this Monday without Ousmane Dembélé. The 27-year-old French international winger (51 caps, 6 goals) will not be in the Parisian squad to face Arsenal on Tuesday (9 p.m.), during the second day of the Champions League. But unlike Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez, Gonçalo Ramos and perhaps Gigio Donnarumma, Nuno Mendes, Désiré Doué, Marco Arsensio and Vitinha, all uncertain after missing Rennes (3-1) on Friday, it is not due to ‘a physical glitch but a decision by Luis Enrique.

The newspaper The Team was quick to confirm the information, explaining that the 54-year-old Parisian coach “criticized the Frenchman for certain choices made on the pitch» after Friday evening’s match against Stade Rennes. “They had a tough explanation that the Spanish technician did not appreciate. It is therefore a disciplinary sanction», assured our colleagues on their site.

SEE ALSO – The goals and summary of PSG-Rennes on September 27 (3-1)

Also readArsenal-PSG: Style, results, experience… Mikel Arteta and Luis Enrique, the match within the match

Strong choice

Note that Donnarumma, absent for the last three matches, Mendes, Asensio, Doué and “Viti” are all part of the group selected to cross the Channel. To see if they will all be able to start or play against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners. Still, Luis Enrique’s choice is (very) strong regarding Dembélé, the most decisive player for the Rouge et Bleu since the start of the season with four goals and three assists. A player that the former Barça coach regularly highlights for his qualities obviously, but also for his behavior. “I have been an admirer for many years. He’s a different player.”explained Luis Enrique recently, who will certainly have to justify himself later this Monday, during a press conference scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Press conference during which Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi will also answer questions from journalists from the Emirates Stadium.

Having passed through Rennes, Dortmund and FC Barcelona, ​​Ousmane Dembélé joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. He is under contract there until 2028, having put his recurring injury problems behind him and established himself as a major player in the capital, more regular, very influential and particularly reliable. A frame by Luis Enrique. To see if this episode will remain as a simple hitch with no long-term consequences…