PSG XI vs Arsenal: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League semi-final today

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Evening Standard

·29. April 2025

PSG XI vs Arsenal: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League semi-final today

No injury concerns for PSG as they make the trip to north London

Desire Doue starts for PSG

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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Desire Doue starts for Paris Saint-Germain this evening as they take on Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Manager Luis Enrique has a fully fit squad to choose from having been able to rest key players last time out against Nice and are not currently held back by any injuries or suspensions.

Enrique made just two changes to his squad between the first and second leg of the quarter-final tie against Aston Villa, one of which was prompted by Marquinhos’ suspension.

Bradley Barcola took up that mantle in the second leg of the quarter final, his pace favoured as a method for undoing a deep-sitting Villa side. But facing Arsenal, the tricky dribbler Doue is considered my effective effective. He scored a stunning goal in the first leg against the Villans, cutting in off the flank and curling a shot well beyond Emi Martinez.

Doue asked questions which Aston Villa struggled to answer but was dropped for the second leg

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Barcola made way for Doue in the only PSG substitution in the second leg.

The 19-year-old will have his work cut out for him facing the on-form Jurrien Timber, but is sufficiently clinical to punish even the slightest lapse in concentration. Lining up alongside prolific pairing Ousmane Dembele and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, the three make a deadly combination.

The lack of height across PSG’s back line may pose an issue, as Pacho is the tallest regular starter at 6’2”. As Arsenal rank among Europe’s most threatening teams from set-pieces, aerial duels will prove key, and Gianluigi Donnarumma will be under pressure to exact a ground stop in his penalty area.