Luis Enrique's decision-making somewhat backfired with one eye on Arsenal, as Paris Saint-Germain have been given a new injury worry before Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg meeting.
The Gunners are halfway through contesting a place in this season's Champions League final against France's top team. Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta they could not earn more than a one-goal defeat in the Emirates Stadium clash last Tuesday.
But PSG themselves know that their advantage is not a secure one, so took measures in their Ligue 1 fixture against RC Strasbourg this Saturday.
With only midfielder Joao Neves surviving in the starting line-up, Enrique's choice to make ten changes backfired as the Parisiens suffered a 2-1 defeat.
"If I have to be honest, I have to say that we saw a very good match," Enrique said after the defeat to Strasbourg. "There were two teams that tried to play very good football. It was a great atmosphere, a great vibe in the stadium.
"We started with four very young players, which is good, and we finished with five players who are in the youth teams.
"We're trying to move forward and be a team. I'm happy with my players' performance."
It may not matter much to them given they wrapped up their domestic title in early April, but it is a consecutive second league defeat when form is still of high importance.
But of most interest for the Gunners, one of the players who came in - midfielder Lee Kang-in, who started the Champions League clash on the bench - looks to have picked up a fresh injury concern.
RMC Sport's live coverage of the match noted that in the 43rd minute the South Korean was part of a 'major collision' with opponent Valentin Barco. He limped to the touchline with PSG physios to receive treatment.
As they noted that he should be substituted during the impending half-time break, that is what happened as Desire Doue came on in his stead.
This increases pressure to Enrique hoping to name a full squad for Arsenal's trip to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.
Especially after the statement his club released on Friday confirming a fresh worry over the first leg's match-winner, Ousmane Dembele, with a new hamstring problem and central defender Presnel Kimpembe, who has rarely played over the last two years.
"Ousmane Dembele has strained his right hamstring. His condition is progressing well. A further assessment will be carried out shortly," PSG clarified.
They added: "Victim of bone edema in the 2nd metatarsal of his right foot, Presnel Kimpembe will remain at rest for the next few weeks."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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