Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has been excluded from the squad for their crucial Champions League encounter against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Soccernet.football reports.
The French star’s omission follows a heated confrontation with PSG head coach Luis Enrique after their 3-1 victory over Rennes in Ligue 1.
According to reports from French sports daily L’Equipe, tensions boiled over during a post-match debrief when Enrique criticised Dembele’s decision-making during the Rennes match.
The critique sparked a fiery exchange between the two, with the coach unimpressed by Dembele’s response.
As a result, Enrique made the bold decision to drop the €60 million-valued winger from the squad travelling to London for Tuesday night’s clash with Arsenal.
Arsenal, who are eager to bounce back in their Champions League campaign after a goalless draw against Atalanta in their opener, will likely benefit from the absence of one of PSG’s attacking threats.
The Gunners, fresh off a dramatic late win over Leicester City in the Premier League, will be hoping to take advantage of PSG’s internal turmoil and secure a crucial three points on home soil.
While Dembele watches from home, all eyes will be on how PSG cope without the former Barcelona star and whether the behind-the-scenes tension will impact their performance on the pitch.
Luis Enrique, now under pressure following his decision to leave Dembele out, will be hoping his side can stay focused and deliver a result in what promises to be a highly anticipated European clash.
Arsenal claimed a hard-fought goalless draw at Atalanta on matchday one while PSG secured a last-gasp 1-0 win at home to Spanish newbies Girona.