The Paris Saint-Germain is facing a critical moment in their Champions League campaign as they scramble to ensure two of their most influential players are fit for the final against Arsenal. Luis Enrique’s squad is deeply concerned about the availability of Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé, with the countdown to the Budapest showdown now in full swing.
The French champions, fresh off their Ligue 1 title triumph, are determined to add a sixth Champions League trophy to their cabinet at the Puskas Arena. However, their preparations have been overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding key personnel. For Arsenal, the final represents a historic opportunity to claim their first Champions League title after a 22-year wait, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. The Gunners will arrive in Hungary brimming with confidence, while PSG may be forced to navigate the biggest match of the season without two of their star performers.
Hakimi’s participation hangs by a thread
The defensive concerns at Parc des Princes are mounting. Reports indicate that Achraf Hakimi is highly unlikely to start the final, dealing a significant blow to Enrique’s tactical plans. The Moroccan international brings a unique attacking threat from his right-back position, but a thigh strain sustained during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich nearly a month ago continues to hinder his progress. Hakimi is not expected to return to full training before Wednesday, leaving him with just three days to prove his fitness before the team departs for Budapest.
Dembélé’s absence raises fresh questions
The physical concerns extend beyond the defensive third. PSG recently organized an internal friendly match, split into two 20-minute halves, to maintain match sharpness. However, Ousmane Dembélé was a notable absentee. The French winger has been sidelined since being substituted during the first half of a recent league defeat to Paris FC. Despite growing unease among supporters, Dembélé insists he remains confident about his readiness for the final. Yet his absence from the internal fixture suggests the medical staff are erring on the side of caution with the former Barcelona player, as the clock continues to tick down to Saturday evening.
Arteta sees an opportunity in PSG’s injury worries
The potential absence of both Hakimi and Dembélé could drastically alter the dynamics of the final. Arsenal’s technical staff are already viewing this uncertainty as a strategic advantage, one they intend to exploit if PSG’s rhythm or cohesion falters. All eyes will be on Tuesday’s training session in Paris, which promises to be the first high-intensity test since the weekend. For Enrique, this session represents a pivotal moment to determine whether his two star players can take part in what is shaping up to be a historic clash against England’s newly crowned champions.
