With the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal just one week away, Paris Saint-Germain conducted an internal training match this Saturday. While the 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient and the Moroccan defender were absent from this friendly encounter, there appears to be no significant concern regarding their availability for the crucial clash with Arsenal.
Paris Saint-Germain maintained its rigorous training schedule this Saturday at the Poissy Campus grounds. Following manager Luis Enrique’s announcement after the 2-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Paris FC on the final matchday, an intense internal friendly match unfolded for over an hour, designed to keep the squad sharp.
no concerns for dembélé and hakimi ahead of arsenal showdown
Two squads, designated black and white, competed in an eleven-a-side format. While the final score of the scrimmage remained undisclosed, Ibrahima Mbaye and Vitinha reportedly found the net for the white team. Approximately 1,000 devoted ultras and a hundred children, specially invited by the club, gathered to offer their final encouragement to the Parisians before their monumental clash with the Gunners. A banner displayed by the Collectif Ultras Paris powerfully declared: “Once is historic. Twice is legendary,” encapsulating the fervent desire to retain the Champions League title.
Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi were the only two players missing from this internal fixture. Hakimi, who sustained a thigh issue during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich on April 28 (a 5-4 victory), focused on individual training. Dembélé, experiencing calf discomfort after last Sunday’s 2-1 match against Paris FC, remained under medical care. Paris Saint-Germain remains unconcerned about the fitness of these key players and will avoid any unnecessary risks. Both Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi are fully expected to be in the starting lineup against Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest for the Champions League final. Club president Al-Khelaifi, sporting director Luis Campos, coach Luis Enrique, and the entire squad received a resounding ovation from the PSG ultras, whose focus is now firmly fixed on the upcoming encounter with the Gunners.
