PSG star benched for Arsenal clash following heated dispute with manager

Ousmane Dembele has been omitted from the Paris Saint-Germain squad for the upcoming crucial Champions League match against Arsenal due to a heated altercation with head coach Luis Enrique.

The Gunners host the French champions at the Emirates in a true heavyweight clash on Tuesday night but PSG will be without the man widely regarded as their player of the season so far.

Dembele will not be part of the squad travelling to London on Monday. The decision is not related to an injury with L’Equipe reporting it follows a heating argument with Enrique following Friday’s 3-1 win over Rennes.

The decision will prompt Enrique into some big changes against Arsenal with Dembele one of his stand-out performers this season.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona star has four goals and four assists in six Ligue 1 appearances on the right of attack.

Dembele provided the assist for Bradley Barcola’s goal on Friday before being replaced in the 82nd minute with his row with Enrique said to have taken place after the game.   

Mikel Arteta was quizzed on Monday’s development in his press conference on Monday morning.

‘We just got the news,’ Arteta said. ‘We don’t know if it is true or not, but we prepare like we always do. But they have many other options.’

PSG opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over Spanish newcomers Girona earlier this month.

Arsenal meanwhile were held to a goalless draw away to Atalanta.

The Gunners rescued a 4-2 win over Leicester City on Saturday evening with Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz all getting on the score sheet.

Mikel Arteta remains without his captain Martin Odegaard along with summer signing Mikel Merino in midfield but is hopeful of having Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori available on Tuesday.