Mikel Arteta reacts as PSG drop Ousmane Dembele for Arsenal Champions League clash

Evening Standard

·30 September 2024

Mikel Arteta reacts as PSG drop Ousmane Dembele for Arsenal Champions League clash

Forward reportedly argued with manager Luis Enrique after win over Rennes

Dembele has not travelled to London for PSG’s game against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday after a reported row with manager Luis Enrique.

The France international featured in the 3-1 win over Rennes on Friday, but reportedly argued with Enrique the following day.

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And speaking in his pre-match press conference, Gunners boss Arteta said: “We just got the news before. I don’t know if It’s true or not, but we’ll prepare for every possible outcome.”

Dembele has been a key player for PSG this season, scoring four goals and providing four assists with his side top of Ligue 1.

Ousmane Dembele has reportedly been dropped by PSG

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However, Enrique has a reputation as a strict disciplinarian and last season opted to travel to Toulouse without Kylian Mbappe or Dembele as he reportedly felt they hadn’t worked hard enough in training.

📋 The Parisian squad for the trip to Arsenal, tomorrow at 9pm CEST 🔴🔵 🔜 #ARSPSG
– Monday, 30 September 2024

PSG opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over Girona, while Arsenal drew 0-0 at Atalanta.

Both sides are unbeaten so far this season, with the Gunners finding two late goals to beat Leicester 4-2 on Saturday.

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