Ousmane Dembélé left out of PSG game at Arsenal amid reports of disciplinary sanction

PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been left out of the squad that will take on Arsenal in the Champions League amid reports hat he was hit by a disciplinary sanction.

L'Equipe newspaper and RMC Sport media both reported that PSG coach Luis Enrique decided to snub the France player for Tuesday's league phase match at the Emirates Stadium even though he is not injured.

PSG did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. The club released a list of 22 players selected for the Arsenal match that did not include Dembélé.

According to L'Equipe, Enrique and Dembélé verbally clashed after PSG's 3-1 win against Rennes in the French league. Dembélé delivered an assist during the match.

The newspaper reported that both men met for a debriefing session and that Dembélé was criticized for some of the choices he made during the game, with a heated discussion ensuing.

PSG is unbeaten in all competitions this season. It beat Girona in its Champions League opener earlier this month while Arsenal drew 0-0 with Atalanta.

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PSG's Ousmane Dembele, right, kicks the ball during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

PSG's Bradley Barcola, right, celebrates with PSG's Ousmane Dembele after scoring his side's opening goal during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

PSG's Bradley Barcola, right, celebrates with PSG's Ousmane Dembele after scoring his side's opening goal during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

PSG's Ousmane Dembele, center, duels for the ball with Rennes' Christopher Wooh during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

PSG's Ousmane Dembele reacts during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann took the soccer world by surprise Monday when he announced the end of his international career with France.

The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid player has played 137 matches with Les Bleus, scoring 44 goals during a successful 10-year tenure.

Griezmann started with France in 2014 in a friendly match against the Netherlands then quickly established himself as a stalwart of the team coached by Didier Deschamps with his versatile talent and influence as both a goalscorer and an assist provider.

Only two players, Hugo Lloris and Lilian Thuram, have played more international games with France than Griezmann.

“It’s with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life,” Griezmann said in a message posted on Instagram. "Thank you for this wonderful tricolor adventure and see you soon."

Griezmann is fourth on France's list of all-time scorers behind Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe. He won the 2018 World Cup and the Nations League three years later with his France teammates.

“After 10 incredible years, marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation,” he said. “I was lucky enough to experience some incredible moments alongside some exceptional teammates. We have shared victories that will remain forever engraved in our memories.”

After a disappointing showing at the European Championship earlier this year, where France lost in the semifinals, Griezmann had lost some of his influence in Deschamps' team. His final appearance in the France kit was in September in a 2-0 win over Belgium in a Nations League match when he came on as a late substitute.

Although Griezmann has admitted he struggled at the Euros, he was expected to keep on playing with France until the 2026 World Cup.

In his retirement message, Griezmann thanked Deschamps for his support over the last decade despite the coach's decision to make Mbappe France captain ahead of him last year following Lloris' retirement. Griezmann had previously said Deschamps' snub had been difficult to stomach.

Griezmann didn't say how long he'll continue with his club career. His contract with Atletico runs until 2026.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, center, with teammates at the end of the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Atletico Madrid won 2-1. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann attempts a shot at goal during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Real Madrid's Rodrygo holds Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann during the La Liga soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)