Tue Oct 01 20:05:38 UTC 2024: ## Dembele Axed from PSG Squad for Champions League Clash with Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has been excluded from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Arsenal, following a reported disagreement with manager Luis Enrique.

The 27-year-old French international, who has been a standout performer for PSG this season, was left out of the travelling squad after failing to “comply with or respect the expectations of the team,” according to Enrique.

While Enrique declined to elaborate on the specifics of the altercation, he maintained that it was a matter of player responsibility and not a personal conflict.

Reports in the French media suggest that the disagreement stemmed from a heated exchange following PSG’s 3-1 win against Rennes on Friday, during which Dembele was substituted late in the game.

Enrique stated that he made the decision to exclude Dembele in the best interests of the team, emphasizing the importance of a strong team identity and character.

PSG will now look to Bradley Barcola, the leading scorer in Ligue 1 this season, to fill the void left by Dembele’s absence. Barcola has already bagged six goals this season, including two against Rennes.

Ahead of the clash with Arsenal, Enrique heaped praise on Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, calling him one of the best coaches in the world. He lauded Arteta’s ability to transform Arsenal from a struggling team into a title contender, specifically highlighting their defensive prowess.

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