PSG vs. Arsenal lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news, injuries: Dembele fit, Timber trains

A place in the UEFA Champions League final is on the line as Paris Saint-Germain host Arsenal with a slender advantage heading into the second leg of their semifinal.

Ousmane Dembele's early goal proved the difference last week at the Emirates Stadium. Both sides missed big chances to change the tide, so the French giants returned home with a narrow lead.

With both clubs seeking their first-ever Champions League title, there's an enormous amount of competitive stakes on the line for these 90 minutes.

PSG will hope their recent shift in squad-building structure pays dividends in a big way, while Arsenal are continuing to endure a significant injury crisis, which scuttled their Premier League title chase but has thus far failed to destroy their European journey.

The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.

PSG vs. Arsenal lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Luis Enrique rotated his PSG squad heavily over the weekend against Strasbourg, so all his regular starters should return, including Ousmane Dembele. The Ballon d'Or candidate exited the first leg late with what looked to be a muscle injury, but after being kept out of the weekend's match as a precaution, should return to play here.

Only oft-injured defender Presnel Kimpembe is confirmed as absent for PSG due to injury, this time a bone edema in his right foot. Kang-In Lee also suffered a shin injury during the weekend defeat but was unlikely to play a significant role.

Given that Bradley Barcola was the only regular to play the full 90 minutes against Strasbourg, it's likely that Desire Doue will start on Wednesday as he did in the first leg, with Barcola set to come off the bench at some stage.

PSG predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes — Nevez, Vitinha, F. Ruiz — Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

Injured: Lee (shin, doubt), Kimpembe (foot).
Suspended: None.

MORE: All the latest Arsenal news | Latest Champions League top goal scorer list | 2024/25 Premier League top goal scorers list

Without the suspended Thomas Partey in the first leg, Mikel Arteta moved Mikel Merino back to midfield and slotted in Leandro Trossard at striker, but the Belgian proved ineffective in that role. Here, with Partey back, the Ghana international should allow Declan Rice to operate in his natural position as a box-to-box No. 8. with Merino rejoining the forward line.

Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have both returned to Arsenal training, meaning they should both be available for selection. Timber will likely move back into the right-back spot, moving Ben White to the bench.

Long-term absentees Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kai Havertz all remain out, although the latter has returned to training and is eyeing a return before the end of the season. Arteta confirmed over the weekend that Havertz "will have a chance to play a few games" before the campaign ends, and he could even be an option off the bench here if he continues to surprise in his recovery.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly — Odegaard, Partey, Rice — Saka, Merino, Martinelli.

Injured: Havertz (hamstring, doubt), Calafiori (knee, doubt), Gabriel (hamstring), Jesus (ACL), Jorginho (ribs), Tomiyasu (knee).
Suspended: None.

PSG vs. Arsenal live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Champions League semifinal second leg across selected areas of the world's major regions: