Paris Saint-Germain will face Stade Brestois in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off, with the winner set to meet either Liverpool or FC Barcelona.
Ahead of this crucial clash, PSG dominated Brest 5-2 at Stade Francis Le Blé. Ousmane Dembélé has been in red-hot form in 2025.
After only one career hat trick before last week, Dembélé has now scored two in as many games—against Brest and VfB Stuttgart. He opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing calmly after a brilliant run and cross from Bradley Barcola.
His second came in the 56th minute when he pounced on a deflection off Marco Bizot following a Fabian Ruiz shot. But it was his third, in the 62nd minute, that really stood out: a clinical finish from a perfect assist by Kang-in Lee.
As a result, PSG are the favorites to advance, with either Barcelona or Liverpool awaiting the winner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold injury update
A potential tie is still a couple of weeks away but Liverpool will be looking to have one player ready coming off an injury in Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold will miss Liverpool’s match against Tottenham but could be back in time to face Plymouth Argyle after picking up an injury against Bournemouth. The full-back was forced off during the win over the Cherries but has already begun working on the grass as part of his recovery.
His availability for the FA Cup remains uncertain, as he has yet to return to full training with the squad. Liverpool manager Arne Slot shared the latest on their star defender and his status will be one PSG supporters need to monitor.
“He is going to miss the game [on Thursday] and we have to see if he is able to play on Sunday,” Slot said (h/t The Mirror). “What we do know is he is not available to play tomorrow. I think you saw he left the pitch with a bit of a pain in his leg so that’s why he misses the game tomorrow.
“But he’s already on the pitch, not with the team but with the rehab coach so let’s see how long it’s going to take but he’s not going to be available tomorrow.”
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