Paris Saint-Germain’s injury concerns have eased ahead of their Champions League final against Arsenal.
Dembélé and Hakimi Declared Fit
Ousmane Dembélé has been struggling with a calf issue in recent weeks. However, the player stated on Friday that he is “100% ready and with many desires”.
There had been more concern over the fitness of Achraf Hakimi, who has not played since suffering a right thigh injury against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals on 28 April.
Hakimi, who was called up by Morocco for the World Cup this week, was seen training and has been given the all-clear by PSG coach Luis Enrique. Enrique said that Hakimi was “fine and able to play tomorrow”.
Dembélé was taken off in the first half of PSG’s last match in the French league, a defeat against Paris FC on 17 May.
“I wasn’t afraid of missing the final,” Dembélé stated at a press conference on Friday at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. “I stopped as soon as I felt the twinge (against Paris FC).”
Arsenal’s Injury Boost
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta also received positive injury news. Defender Jurrien Timber will be available, having missed the last two and a half months due to ankle and groin injuries.
Timber has missed 14 matches in all competitions.
Without Timber, Arsenal would have faced a problem at right-back because Ben White is out with knee ligament damage. This injury has also ruled White out of contention for a place in the England squad for the World Cup.
PSG’s Champions League Ambitions
PSG are aiming to defend the title they won last year with a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. This was the most unequal final in the competition’s 70-year history.
Dembélé said that the season has been “quite complicated for everyone at PSG” after reaching the Club World Cup final last summer. This shortened the team’s off-season, meaning they have essentially played throughout the year.
Luis Enrique stated that one of his priorities in the lead-up to the final has been to “manage my players’ rest time during training” as much as studying Arsenal.
PSG are strong on the left flank with full-back Nuno Mendes and winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Dembélé noted that the season has been “quite complicated for everyone at PSG”.