Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a major injury scare with Ousmane Dembele forced off 13 days before the Champions League final against Arsenal
Ousmane Dembele was forced off injured just 27 minutes into Paris Saint-Germain’s final Ligue 1 fixture of the campaign against Paris FC.
After being substituted by Goncalo Ramos shortly before the half-hour mark, he made his way straight down the tunnel. Arsenal are set to face Luis Enrique’s side in less than a fortnight in the Champions League final.
While early reports in France indicate his substitution was merely a precaution, the full severity of his injury remains unclear at this stage.
Dembele had been deployed as the striker in a strong PSG starting XI against Paris FC on Sunday, alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha and Marquinhos. The former and Bradley Barcola were taken off just before the 60-minute mark with PSG going on to lose 2-1, though they have already won the title.
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Niggling injuries have troubled Dembele throughout this season and not having him at full fitness for the Champions League final, following his three goals in the previous round, would be a significant blow for Enrique.
Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Willian Pacho are the other PSG players nursing injuries, though there is optimism that all three will be available to face Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta meanwhile, is hopeful that Jurrien Timber will return from the problem that has sidelined him for the past two months.
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In his most recent update on the Dutchman, Arteta said: “He’s progressed a bit in the last few days… We’re going to try to get him fit and available as quick as possible. Let’s see.
“Obviously, he’s been out a while, unfortunately. He’s such an important player for us, and he’s doing everything that he possibly can to help the team in any capacity.”
Arsenal’s main focus remains the Premier League title, with a fixture against Burnley at Emirates Stadium scheduled for Monday night.
While that encounter would usually be the last of the weekend, Manchester City are in action afterwards owing to the FA Cup final against Chelsea, which they claimed to secure a showdown with Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Victory would pile immense pressure on Pep Guardiola’s outfit before their journey to Bournemouth on Tuesday, where anything short of three points would virtually guarantee Arsenal the title.
Should it reach the final day, the Gunners travel to Crystal Palace while City welcome Aston Villa. Both opponents have European finals either side of those fixtures.
For Unai Emery’s Villa, they meet Freiburg in the Europa League next Wednesday, while the Eagles face Rayo Vallecano following Arsenal’s visit.

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