Soccer
'Not prepared to play!' - Paris Saint-Germain boss explains massive boost for Arsenal after key player omission
Check your region for UCL & UWCL on DAZN
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique says Ousmane Dembele's exclusion from his UEFA Champions League squad to face Arsenal is because he wants "the best for my team".
The France international has been in good form to start the campaign for the Ligue 1 champions, with four goals, and featured in their European opener against Girona.
But in a significant boost to Mikel Arteta's Gunners, Dembele will be absent at the Emirates Stadium, having been dropped by the former Barcelona and Spain coach.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's fixture, Luis Enrique played down reports of trouble between the two, indicating instead that there was an issue with club conduct behind the choice.
- Read More I More misery for Ten Hag and ice-cold Cole - Five Premier League talking points from Matchday Six
- Read More I Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says foul on Tottenham's James Maddison 'never a red card
"If someone doesn't comply or respect the expectations of the team, it means they are not prepared to play," he said. "I want all my players to be ready.
"As a consequence I have left him out. I want the best for my team and that is my job. I am very honest and I will be honest, but I am not going to create a soap opera out of this.
"There are no problems between us. That is completely false. This is simply about the responsibilities of the player. It doesn't mean this is irreversible.
"But I took the best decision for the team and that is why I signed here, to create a team that has a strong identity and has a lot of character."
Dembele last featured for PSG in Friday's 3-1 win over Rennes, when he was substituted for Ibrahim Mbaye in the final quarter-hour of the game.
Arsenal meanwhile will be hoping to record a first win of the UCL season against Arteta's former club, after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Atalanta a fortnight ago.
More Football
- Watch the Champions League on DAZN (Canada & New Zealand)
- Watch the Womens' Champions League on DAZN
