Arsenal have received a significant boost ahead of their pivotal European encounter against Paris Saint-Germain, with news emerging that Luis Enrique has dropped Ousmane Dembélé from PSG’s matchday squad.

The prolific forward has netted four goals in six domestic matches for PSG and played a part in their Champions League opener victory over Girona. However, ahead of the London showdown, PSG manager Enrique confirmed that the influential 27-year-old French star will not feature in the match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Dembélé’s absence follows reports from France suggesting tensions were rising between player and manager, particularly after Dembélé was substituted during PSG’s recent win over Rennes. In his pre-match press conference at the Emirates Stadium, Enrique did not hold back when addressing the matter.

He said: “If someone does not comply with or respect the expectations of the team, it means they are not ready to play. The match [against Arsenal] is crucial, and I want all my players fully prepared, so I have made the decision to leave him [Dembélé] out. My job is to do what is best for the team.

“These situations are difficult, and you must make hard decisions. I am fully committed to my decision and entirely confident that it is the right one.”

Enrique continued: “This does not mean the situation is irreversible, but I have made the best decision for the team, and that is why I was brought here – to build a team with a strong identity and character.

“I was also hired to win trophies. While I cannot guarantee that, what I can guarantee is that the team will play with a strong sense of identity. The day I am no longer able to deliver that, I will step aside.

“I have the full support of the club’s president and sporting director. My aim is to shape this team, and in the future, that could still include Ousmane Dembélé, to be clear.”

When asked about any potential disagreement with Dembélé, Enrique responded: “I am always honest and will continue to be, but I am not going to create a soap opera out of this.

“There is no problem between us. That is completely untrue. This is simply a matter of player responsibility.”