PSG's Dembele axed for Arsenal game over disciplinary reasons

news wires

Mon, 30 Sept 2024, 2:25 pm·1-min read

PSG Forward Ousmane Dembele has been left out of the squad for their Champions League game at Arsenal, after the player failed to meet the needs of the team, manager Luis Enrique said on Monday.

Ousmane Dembele was axed from Paris Saint-Germain's squad for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Arsenal because he did not "comply with or respect the expectations of the team", coach Luis Enrique said.

It follows reports in French media that the 27-year-old winger had a heated exchange with Luis Enrique following PSG's 3-1 win against Rennes on Friday, in which Dembele was substituted late on.

Dembele has been one of the team's stand-out players so far this season and featured in PSG's Champions League win against Girona earlier this month.

But Luis Enrique, speaking at the Emirates in London on Monday, said the France international had not travelled with the squad from Paris.

"If someone doesn't comply or respect the expectations of the team, it means they are not prepared to play," he said.

"The match tomorrow is very important and I want all my players to be ready, so as a consequence I have left him (Dembele) out. I want the best for my team and that is my job."

The former Spain manager said he was "100 percent" sure of his decision.

"There are no problems between us. That is completely false. This is simply about the responsibilities of the player."

(AFP)