Desire Doue sends three-word PSG message before Arsenal Champions League semi-final
by Kieran Horn · football.londonDesire Doue has sent a Paris Saint-Germain message directly to Arsenal before the two sides face off in a Champions League semi-final.
The French champions travelled over to England on Monday with this their fourth visit in this campaign having already faced the Gunners in the league phase. Their previous two knockout games have also come against English opposition with Liverpool and Aston Villa failing to defeat Luis Enrique's side.
Mikel Arteta meanwhile, masterminded a 2-0 victory over PSG back in October and a repeat of that would not go amiss. However, key midfielder Vitinha has claimed things will be different six months later.
"It's been a little while now and I think that in regards to the match its obviously a different match," he admitted in a press conference. "It will be a different match, obviously because of the stage of the competition we're at.
"We're not going to change the way we play. But obviously we're going to do something differently and tomorrow we're looking for the win." One key difference is that Ousmane Dembele is expected to feature after being dropped for that league stage defeat.
PSG are also very fortunate to have no serious injury doubts for the game but the same cannot be said for Arsenal. Mikel Merino and Ben White missed last Wednesday's draw against Crystal Palace but both were spotted in training at London Colney on Monday afternoon.
Riccardo Calafiori however, was still missing with the Italian having been absent since the March international break. Jorginho was not spotted either and while Thomas Partey was present, he is suspended for the first leg.
One player that could get joy from several Arsenal players being moved around is Doue. The skilful Frenchman netted a wondergoal against Villa in the previous round and is capable of getting joy in the centre of the pitch as well as out wide.
And ahead of the upcoming European clash, he has sent a brief but very clear message. On his Instagram story, alongside a photo before the Nice defeat, he said: "Focus on Tuesday [red and blue heart emoji.]"
Enrique likely faces a big decision on the 19-year-old with Bradley Barcola also vying for a spot in the team alongside Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Elsewhere for PSG, Achraf Hakimi has been rested in recent weeks with Willian Pacho also missing a game due to illness though he has since returned.
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